From roads to riches

The Grand Trunk Road or GT Road has shaped the economic and cultural landscape of South Asia for over two millennia. Today, roads like it continue to be the backbone of Pakistan’s economic growth. With the road network expanding from 50,367 km in 1947 to over 500,700 km by 2025, Pakistan’s development story is closely tied to the expansion of its infrastructure.

The Grand Trunk Road, stretching from Kabul in Afghanistan through Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, is one of the oldest highways in the world. It has served as a vital trade route for over 2,500 years. It is said that the road was first constructed during the Mauryan Empire around the 3rd century BCE, although portions of it were likely used even earlier. The modern form of the Grand Trunk Road, however, took shape in the 16th century under Sher Shah Suri, who expanded it to a much larger scale. Later, under the Mughal and British empires, the road was continuously improved, making it the strategically significant route we recognize today.

Although the claim that the road was built 300 years before Christ is widely circulated, historical evidence suggests that its full modernization occurred during Sher Shah Suri’s reign. His efforts focused on enhancing the road’s infrastructure to support trade and military mobility across the region.

This historic road was more than just a route for goods. It played a key role in the development of cities. Rest-houses, or Sarai, were built along the way to cater to traders and travelers, later evolving into bustling urban centers. As commerce flourished along the road, cities like Lahore, Peshawar, and Karachi grew into major economic hubs.

While Lahore and Karachi are well-known for their industrial significance, smaller cities along the Grand Trunk Road have also contributed to Pakistan’s industrial expansion. These cities were strategically placed along the road, making them key players in the country’s development.

Wazirabad, often called the “city of cutlery,” has become a center for manufacturing metal products, particularly knives, forks, and other utensils. Its location along the GT Road has significantly contributed to its industrial growth.

Pabbi, a town near Nowshera in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, houses a thriving pre-cast concrete industry. Its industrial sector has benefited from the connectivity of the GT Road, which facilitates the movement of raw materials and finished goods.

Kamoke, located just off the GT Road near Gujranwala, is known for its agro-industries, including rice processing. This small town’s proximity to major urban centers and agricultural regions has helped it grow into an important industrial node.

Nooriabad, an industrial hub located along the N-5 (old GT Road) in Sindh, hosts over 200 production plants, specializing in cotton, rice, and oil. Its industrial estate spans 3,342 acres, with more development underway in Phase III. Nooriabad is a prime example of how even smaller towns along the GT Road have leveraged their connectivity to industrialize.

These cities and towns are prime examples of how infrastructure can foster industrial clusters and spur regional development. The connectivity provided by the Grand Trunk Road has proven essential in supporting a diverse range of industries, from textiles to manufacturing and agriculture.

In recent years, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has brought renewed focus on infrastructure development. While the Grand Trunk Road laid the foundation for early industrial growth, projects like Rashakai Special Economic Zone and Marble City Risalpur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa demonstrate how modern infrastructure continues to drive industrialization.

Located along the CPEC route, Rashakai SEZ is part of the effort to foster industrial growth in the region by offering incentives for businesses in textiles, electronics, and heavy industries. This zone is expected to contribute significantly to both local employment and national economic growth.

Looking at the historical growth of Pakistan’s road network, the country’s road infrastructure expanded from 50,367 km in 1947 to 500,700 km by 2025. This growth, particularly in the post-1990s period, has had profound effects on the country’s economy.

The construction of major highways and motorways, such as the M-2 connecting Islamabad to Lahore, has drastically reduced transportation costs and improved logistics.

The expansion of roads, especially motorways and highways, has led to increased trade, boosted industrial output, and improved access to markets. As a result, Pakistan’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors have seen significant growth, aided by easier access to raw materials and markets.

Road infrastructure in Pakistan has proven to be more than just a means of transportation; it is a key driver of economic development. Better connectivity reduces transportation costs, facilitates trade, and helps industries reach both regional and global markets more efficiently. Cities that were once isolated from economic opportunities now serve as industrial hubs, contributing significantly to the national economy.

The expansion of Pakistan’s road network is inextricably linked to the country’s economic performance. The periods of high infrastructure investment in the 1960s, 1990s, and 2015–2020 saw corresponding improvements in productivity and industrial growth. The completion of high-speed roads and the introduction of expressways under CPEC have opened new avenues for trade and investment, further driving the nation’s economic development.

As Pakistan continues to invest in its road infrastructure, the lessons from the Grand Trunk Road and CPEC should guide future projects. Roads are not just pathways for transportation, they are pathways to prosperity. The cities that have flourished along these routes serve as reminders of how strategic investments in infrastructure can transform economies, create jobs, and foster industrial growth.

By leveraging the full potential of its road network and continuing to develop industrial zones along these corridors, Pakistan can sustain its momentum and achieve long-term economic growth.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025