Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged to enhance policing and patrolling on national highways and motorways, emphasizing that providing optimal travel facilities is a central focus for his administration. During meetings in Islamabad, he discussed strategies related to the National Highway Authority and safety measures on national routes.

According to a statement by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of national highways and motorways to the country’s economy. He instructed the formation of a steering committee to oversee development projects, including the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway and other significant highway constructions and reconstructions.

Sharif also mandated the swift completion of fence repairs along motorways within a month and urged strict legal action against those involved in the theft and sale of these fences. The discussions highlighted ongoing legislative efforts to classify motorways as strategic assets, which would enforce stricter legal repercussions for damages.

The meeting provided updates on the Lahore-Sahiwal-Bahawalnagar Motorway, where land acquisition is progressing. This project is poised to benefit districts in South-East Punjab. It was revealed that 859 kilometers of protective fencing have been stolen or damaged in recent years, with 36 accidents and 178 FIRs reported over the past four years.