Passing-Out Parade at NHMP: Lahore-Sialkot Motorway to be linked to Islamabad via Kharian: Aleem

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has said that the Lahore–Sialkot Motorway will be linked to Islamabad via Kharian, a move that will reduce the travel distance by 100 kilometres.

The federal minister said this while addressing the 12th Basic Recruit Course Passing-Out Parade on Monday at the National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) Training College in Sheikhupura, marking the completion of training for 401 graduating officers, including 67 female officers.

On this occasion, the minister emphasised that the ceremony marks a sacred pledge of loyalty and a professional milestone. He announced a special salary increase for the Motorway Police Force, acknowledging their dedication to public safety.

Elaborating on the infrastructure roadmap, to further promote tourism and regional connectivity, he said the Mansehra-Kaghan-Naran Motorway will be connected to Babusar Top, providing a vital alternative route to the Karakoram Highway (KKH) up to the Chinese border.

The minister confirmed that work is in full swing on the Karachi-Quetta-Chaman Expressway (N-25) and the integration of the Motorway network from Sukkur to Hyderabad and onwards to the Karachi ports.

He also stated that the NHA is working on the Guru Nanak Expressway project that would boost religious tourism in the country, and road shows would be organised in Canada and other countries to attract the Sikh Diaspora. He reaffirmed that the construction of the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) is on track to begin in May 2026 and would be finished in two years.

The minister also expressed his resolve to install barrier-free toll plazas and air ambulances for the motorways and highways in collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force. He highlighted the NHA’s historic financial performance, reporting a remarkable 63 percent increase in revenue, which rose from PKR66.8 billion in June 2024 to PKR109 billion by June 2025.

Abdul Aleem Khan attributed this unprecedented growth to transparency and improved governance, stating that these resources are being channelled back into infrastructure projects designed to link Pakistan’s ports to its northern borders.

Later, while talking to the media, the minister remarked that Pakistan and its people have hosted Afghan citizens with great hospitality for 40 years. He expressed deep regret that, despite this, terrorist activities are being carried out against Pakistan. He stated that “if they’re still unsatisfied, the borders are open for them to move and live with India instead.”

Responding to a question regarding the Iran-Israel conflict, the minister noted that the Prime Minister and the Army Chief are closely monitoring the regional situation and will take the best possible steps in the national interest, especially as key Muslim nations are now affected by the conflict. He emphasized the need for an amicable resolution to the crisis.

Furthermore, he stressed that in these challenging times, it is essential to adopt austerity and financial prudence in both personal and official capacities to effectively navigate the current difficulties.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026