Pakistan’s communications minister, Abdul Aleem Khan, has set out plans for major highway and motorway projects, along with financial reforms at the National Highway Authority (NHA). He spoke at a meeting with business leaders in Lahore.
Addressing the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Khan said the government wants stronger national connectivity, better trade routes and tighter financial discipline in road development. He congratulated the chamber’s newly elected leadership and called industrial growth and trade essential to the country’s economic future. Khan also said work on the Sukkur-Karachi Motorway is due to begin next month, with three sections approved.
NHA revenue targets and spending limits
Khan said the NHA aims to raise its revenue from Rs.66 billion to Rs.160 billion through better financial management and revenue generation. Administrative spending has been capped at Rs.50 billion, he added, so that more money can go towards infrastructure without adding pressure on the public budget.
According to the minister, 70 percent of the authority’s revenue is being reinvested in Balochistan, where the N-25 highway is a key priority.
Major projects and motorway links across Pakistan
Khan said 66 major projects, requiring a combined investment of Rs3 trillion, are being prioritised nationwide to improve transport links. Expansion of the Faisalabad Motorway is moving ahead without funding from the government budget, he said.
He highlighted the Sambrial-Kharian Motorway, which he said would cut about 100km from the Lahore-to-Rawalpindi journey and save more than an hour of travel time. The Lodhran Expressway is expected to be completed using the authority’s own resources. The Sukkur-Karachi Motorway is intended to improve access to Karachi Port and ease the movement of goods.
The minister also outlined plans to extend the Murree Expressway towards Azad Kashmir and explore further motorway links beyond Kaghan and Naran. He said these proposals could boost tourism and trade with neighbouring regions.
Closer cooperation with the business community
Khan said the Ministry of Communications will work more closely with businesses to resolve operational problems affecting trade and transport. He directed officials from the NHA and Motorway Police to hold regular meetings with LCCI representatives.
He also proposed appointing a focal person in the ministry to improve communication with the private sector, and assured business leaders that their concerns would be considered in infrastructure planning. The event was attended by the chamber’s President, Senior Vice President and Vice President.
