G-B, AJ&K, Punjab, Sindh & Balochistan: Aleem outlines key prospective infrastructure initiatives

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan outlined key ongoing and prospective infrastructure initiatives expanding across Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.

He made these remarks while addressing the gathering held here on Tuesday to pay tribute to all police martyrs.

He said Murree Expressway (IMDC) extension to Muzaffarabad will provide international-standard travel facilities to the public, while the MNJC Motorway will serve as an ideal alternative to the Karakoram Highway (KKH), strengthening strategic connectivity with China.

Additionally, the Sialkot-Kharian-Rawalpindi Highway will shorten the distance between Islamabad and Lahore by 100 kilometres and save more than an hour of travel time.

In Karachi, the M-10 and Lyari Expressway continue to streamline freight trade from Karachi Port, while physical work on the M-6 motorway will commence shortly. Furthermore, construction of the “Guru Nanak Expressway,” connecting Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib, is under way to promote religious tourism and interfaith harmony for the global Sikh community.

Infrastructure work is also progressing on tourist routes in Gilgit, while the N-25 highway is targeted for completion next year. The minister noted that in Balochistan, M-8 motorway projects will significantly bolster regional connectivity and cross-border trade with Iran.

In a dignified ceremony held at the Motorway Police Headquarters, Abdul Aleem Khan offered Fateha to honour the supreme sacrifices of the fallen heroes. On this occasion, he said that August 4th marks a crucial day in the country’s national history.

He emphasized that the historic martyrdom of Safwat Ghayoor remains a beacon of guidance for all security forces. He added that the sacrifices of all martyrs, including 59 brave officers of the Motorway Police, are unforgettable, praising the force as a role model for the entire nation.

To safeguard patrolling officers, Abdul Aleem Khan announced that modern police stations, dedicated parking facilities, and emergency ambulance services are being established in proximity to toll plazas.

Highlighting the financial self-reliance and organizational growth of the National Highway Authority (NHA), Abdul Aleem Khan highlighted that NHA revenue has doubled from PKR 66 billion in 2024 to over PKR 127 billion in 2026.

He underscored that complete financial independence has enabled Pakistan to expand its national highway and motorway network using indigenous resources, entirely free from outside dependence.

Speaking at the event, IG Motorway Police Sultan Ahmad Chaudhry paid rich tributes to the sacrifices of the martyrs and reiterated the department’s firm resolve, stating that the Motorway Police will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the families of the martyrs and ensure they are never left alone.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026