Nationwide outsourcing drive: Private firms to manage highway commercial rents

ISLAMABAD: The National Highway Authority (NHA) initiated a major policy shift by deciding to outsource the management of its Right of Way (ROW), handing over the collection of fees and annual rents from commercial establishments like hotels and petrol stations to private sector firms.

This strategic decision to regulate commercial activities along the country’s national highways follows a directive from Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, and is aimed at significantly boosting the authority’s income and ensuring greater transparency in its operations.

The NHA has officially invited tenders for the initiative, which is designed to foster public-private partnerships. This collaboration is anticipated to create new employment and business opportunities across key economic corridors.The outsourcing process will encompass major regions including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta, covering highways from N-5 to N-80. The authority has confirmed that the entire procurement procedure will be conducted in strict adherence to Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Rules.

Eligibility criteria for participation require interested companies to possess a minimum annual net worth of PKR 300 million.

The schedule for the tendering process indicates that financial bids are set to be opened on 25 February 2026. This move is a core component of Minister Abdul Aleem Khan’s vision to transform the NHA into a self-sustaining organisation, ultimately reducing its financial burden on the national exchequer.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026