Islamabad: In a strategic move to align national infrastructure objectives with public relief, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan announced the withdrawal of a planned 25% quarterly increase in toll taxes during a high-level review meeting of the National Highway Authority (NHA). This decision, taken on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, freezes all toll adjustments for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Concurrently, the Minister unveiled plans to designate the Karachi Port-Hyderabad M-10 Motorway as Pakistan’s “economic lifeline.”

According to Press Information Department, the Minister highlighted the importance of the M-10 as an 8-lane project aimed at enhancing port connectivity and alleviating urban traffic congestion. He instructed the NHA to engage international consultants and top-tier engineers to conduct feasibility studies and preliminary work, ensuring adherence to high standards. The motorway will feature modern rest areas and shopping facilities every 10 kilometers to modernize travel and boost local trade.

During the meeting, Minister Khan dismissed concerns over the NHA’s financial health, emphasizing its commitment to sustainable, high-standard projects. The session also noted significant international support, including a recently approved 230 million dollar loan from the OPEC Fund for International Development for Section 3 of the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway. The Minister underscored the necessity of transparent resource utilization to complete the M-10 project within a two-year timeline, maximizing benefits for citizens.