Islamabad: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has outlined an ambitious roadmap to expand Pakistan’s motorway network, aimed at improving connectivity between Punjab, the federal capital, and the country’s northern regions while strengthening links between ports and border routes.
The minister shared these details while addressing the 12th Basic Recruit Course Passing-Out Parade at the National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) Training College in Sheikhupura. A total of 401 officers, including 67 female officers, completed their training during the ceremony.
Highlighting new infrastructure plans, Aleem Khan said the Lahore–Sialkot Motorway will be linked to Islamabad through Kharian. According to the minister, the proposed link will reduce travel distance between the two routes by approximately 100 kilometres and improve connectivity within Punjab and with the federal capital.
He also announced plans to extend the proposed Mansehra–Kaghan–Naran Motorway to Babusar Top. The route is intended to provide an additional corridor linking northern tourist destinations and offer an alternative to the Karakoram Highway up to the Chinese border.
The minister said work is progressing on the Karachi–Quetta–Chaman Expressway, while efforts are also underway to integrate the motorway network from Sukkur to Hyderabad and onward to the ports in Karachi.
Aleem Khan further confirmed that construction of the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway is expected to begin in May 2026 and could be completed within two years. He said the project is part of a broader strategy to strengthen transport corridors linking Pakistan’s ports with its northern regions.
The minister also stated that the National Highway Authority is working on the Guru Nanak Expressway to promote religious tourism. Roadshows are planned in Canada and other countries to attract members of the Sikh diaspora.
In addition to infrastructure development, Aleem Khan announced a special salary increase for personnel of the National Highway and Motorway Police in recognition of their services. He also shared plans to introduce barrier-free toll plazas and to deploy air ambulance services on motorways and highways in collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force.
Speaking about the financial performance of the National Highway Authority, the minister said the organisation recorded a 63 percent increase in revenue. According to official figures, revenue rose from PKR 66.8 billion in June 2024 to PKR 109 billion by June 2025. He attributed the increase to improved governance and transparency, adding that the funds would be reinvested in infrastructure projects.
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