Aleem Khan Orders Speedy Completion of Gwadar and Lyari Highways
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to expedite all ongoing road infrastructure projects, warning that no further extensions will be granted. In a firm directive issued during a high-level meeting at the NHA Headquarters, he emphasized that delays, inefficiencies, or negligence will invite strict disciplinary action.
Aleem Khan has set March 2026 as the deadline for completing the vital highway connecting Gwadar Port, underlining its strategic significance. He also pushed for rapid development of the Hoshab-Awaran-Nall Highway in Balochistan to strengthen regional connectivity. In Karachi, he urged the swift completion of the Lyari Expressway with added focus on green belts and tree plantations along the NHA's vacant lands.
P.c. Associated Press of Pakistan
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, attention was drawn to the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Expressway, where the minister demanded faster progress. He also ordered an extensive anti-encroachment drive across national highways, instructing NHA to present a detailed implementation report.
Aleem Khan, following recent field inspections, proposed the establishment of modern rest areas along the Islamabad-Murree dual carriageway, with facilities tailored for tourists such as family restrooms and refreshment options. He also called for a comprehensive survey of roadside spaces under NHA’s domain to ensure their optimal usage through fresh contracts that reflect local needs.
Highlighting transparency, the minister directed that NHA projects including toll plazas be allocated via open bidding. A nationwide public awareness campaign is to be launched to inform citizens about this initiative.
The session was attended by the Federal Secretary for Communications, NHA’s CEO, and senior officials from regional offices in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Peshawar via video link, who presented updates on their respective project zones.