Faisalabad: The Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, announced a series of infrastructure development projects aimed at supporting the business community, highlighting a marked increase in the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) revenue from Rs. 66 billion to Rs. 164 billion. He emphasized that these funds are being utilized for development projects across the country, vital for economic progress.

According to Press Information Department, the Minister made these remarks at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry, where he was received by Chamber President Arif Ehsan Malik and other officials. He detailed ongoing projects, including the rapid progress on the Faisalabad-Pindi Bhattian section of the M-4 Motorway and the planned completion of the Multan-Lodhran Expressway by December. Khan noted the NHA’s Rs. 15 billion contribution to the Sambrial-Kharian Motorway and a 6-lane network connecting Lahore, Sialkot, Kharian, and Rawalpindi.

Khan outlined the NHA’s financial strategies, detailing Rs. 112 billion in road infrastructure projects in Balochistan and highlighting the need to rely on self-financing for continued development. He also mentioned the Peshawar Bypass, designed to alleviate traffic congestion, and the enforcement of the axle-load policy to protect the national highways network.

The Minister discussed initiatives to enhance tourism and trade, such as the construction of tourist highways in Gilgit-Baltistan, the extension of the Murree Expressway, and the development of the Mansehra-Naran-Kaghan-Jalkhand-Chilas road project. He also emphasized the strategic importance of the motorway connecting Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Karachi for the business community.

Khan revealed plans to transform the NHA into a financially self-sustaining institution with a Rs. 500 billion annual capacity, capable of undertaking projects worth Rs. 2,000 billion. He proposed planting fruit-bearing trees along motorways for environmental and revenue benefits.

The Minister addressed Pakistan Post’s financial challenges, citing a deficit of Rs. 14 billion and ongoing digitalization efforts to reduce losses. Chamber President Arif Ehsan Malik commended Khan’s achievements and assured support for his initiatives.