Islamabad: Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, has issued strict directives to retrieve all illegally occupied state land belonging to the National Highway Authority (NHA), declaring a zero-tolerance policy against land grabbers. The Minister also directed the speedy completion of patchwork on the Lahore-Gujranwala section of GT Road, amid broader efforts to enhance the country’s highway infrastructure.

According to Press Information Department, during a high-level meeting with senior officials, including the Federal Secretary for Communications and Chairman of the NHA, Minister Khan emphasized that no NHA land should remain illegally occupied. The meeting focused on assessing the progress of nationwide development projects and addressing concerns regarding deteriorated infrastructure.

Minister Khan expressed concern over the condition of National Highway N-5 and mandated its immediate restoration. The Minister was briefed on the progress of the Sambrial-Kharian Motorway (M-12), which is 21 percent complete, and announced plans to finish the project six months ahead of its 2028 target. Other projects under review included the expansion of the Faisalabad-Pindi Bhattian Motorway (M-4), restoration of the Rawalpindi-Hassan Abdal highway, and enhancements to several other sections of the national highway system, some in collaboration with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

In efforts to enhance commuter safety and convenience, Minister Khan instructed the establishment of rest areas at designated intervals on all highways and motorways, appointing a dedicated General Manager to oversee these developments. He also ordered aesthetic upgrades, including landscaping and green belts along motorway medians.

Minister Khan announced an intensive field inspection schedule, beginning with an on-site review in Faisalabad, followed by inspections of other major highway projects, reflecting the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and maintenance.