ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to expedite work on five major infrastructure projects.
These include M-6, M-10, Kaghan, Naran, and the critical N-25 (Karachi-Quetta-Chaman) route.
While chairing an important meeting, the minister emphasized that NHA will invest Rs. 150 billion from its own resources for the construction of new highways.
Acknowledging the record increase in NHA’s revenue, Abdul Aleem Khan termed it a positive development and announced new performance targets for the authority.
He approved all new development projects for Gilgit-Baltistan and issued a directive that no future motorway should be built with fewer than six lanes.
The minister emphasized equal development across all four provinces, stating that projects will be prioritized and completed accordingly.
He specifically announced an allocation of Rs. 100 billion for the N-25 highway in Balochistan during the current year and directed immediate acceleration of work on all other pending projects.
He further instructed that new motorway be developed through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models, and that firm deadlines be set for 90% completed projects—these will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister.
During the meeting, a clarification was also given that the Lahore-Kasur Road project has no connection with Raiwind.
Additionally, the NHA has been tasked with preparing a fresh financial plan and updated feasibility reports for all ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects.
Highways in Balochistan, particularly the N-25, play a vital role in connecting the province to the rest of Pakistan and facilitating trade routes toward Afghanistan and Iran.
However, due to decades of underdevelopment, poor maintenance, and rising security concerns, these routes have faced neglect.
The recent decision to allocate Rs. 100 billion to the N-25 is seen as a strategic move to improve road infrastructure, ensure safe travel, and promote economic inclusion in the province.
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Enhanced connectivity in Balochistan not only boosts local development but also strengthens national integration.
