Islamabad: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has directed the National Highway Authority to expedite work on significant national highways and motorways to ensure the transparent and efficient use of public funds. In a meeting held in Islamabad, he emphasized the need for accelerated progress on projects that are crucial for economic growth and regional connectivity.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting reviewed ongoing projects under the Public Sector Development Programme. The Shandur-Gilgit Road project, spanning 216 kilometers and costing approximately 50 billion rupees, has reached 67.33 percent completion. Meanwhile, the Chitral-Booni Mastuj-Shandur Road project, which covers 153 kilometers and costs over 17 billion rupees, has achieved 40 percent completion.

The Karachi-Quetta-Chaman Road (N-25), a 273-kilometer corridor with a budget exceeding 183 billion rupees, is at 19.25 percent completion. Minister Iqbal highlighted the necessity of accelerating this key trade route, particularly focusing on the Karachi-Kararo and Wadh-Khuzdar sections.

The Indus Highway projects were also reviewed, including the Shikarpur-Rajanpur Additional Carriageway Project on N-55, which is 62 percent complete. The Rajanpur-Dera Ghazi Khan section is awaiting contracts due to land acquisition issues, while the Dera Ghazi Khan-Dera Ismail Khan section has begun contractor mobilization.

Furthermore, the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway (M-6) and the Lowari Tunnel’s electrical and mechanical works are in the procurement phase. Iqbal called for the removal of procedural hurdles to expedite these processes.

The dualization and improvement of the existing N-50, stretching from Yarik through Sagu to Zhob, have reached 10 percent physical progress. The minister urged authorities to overcome financial and administrative challenges to advance this project.

Minister Iqbal underscored the significance of these infrastructure projects, including the M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway and the N-55 Indus Highway, for enhancing trade and connectivity, asserting that their timely completion is vital for the country’s economic progress.