Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan Orders Feasibility Study for 123-KM Mansehra-Naran Model Highway; Invites Foreign Investment for Guru Nanak Expressway
NHA instructed to mandate 100% safety features, green belts, and modern rest areas across all new highway projects.
ISLAMABAD, October 8 — Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to prepare a feasibility study for developing the 123-kilometre-long Mansehra-Naran highway as a model project. He added that the proposed three-lane Motorway Project could prove to be a milestone not only in promoting tourism but also in strengthening trade and connectivity with China. A detailed presentation was given to Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on various aspects and progress of the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhand-Chilas highway project. The Federal Minister directed NHA authorities to thoroughly examine all aspects of the project and prepare a comprehensive and viable report so that this important highway can be developed in accordance with modern requirements.
A special meeting of the National Highway Authority, chaired by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, reviewed the construction of important highways as well as key affairs of the Authority. Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said it had also been decided to open the Guru Nanak Expressway Project for foreign investment. He emphasized that the Guru Nanak Expressway would be a project of special religious, historical, and spiritual significance for the Sikh community; therefore, international standards would be ensured in its construction. He stated that foreign investment would be sought for the Guru Nanak Expressway, inviting the Sikh community residing in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States to invest in the project. The Federal Minister noted that the project would align with modern infrastructure, international standards, and attractive investment opportunities.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing construction and development work on various sections of the GT Road from Rawalpindi to Peshawar. Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan tasked NHA officials with completing the construction work on the Multan-Muzaffargarh-Mianwali highway within the next two months. He directed the NHA to complete ongoing projects in the shortest possible time and ensure that all projects meet their stipulated deadlines, making it clear that nothing takes precedence over the safety of citizens on roads and highways.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan directed NHA officials to ensure 100 percent safety features on all new and under-construction highways, stressing that there would be no compromise whatsoever on road safety. A decision was also taken to construct safety barriers as part of the expansion project of the Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad Motorway (M-4). Further, he directed that rest areas and washrooms be constructed on both sides of new highways to facilitate travelers, emphasizing that newly completed projects should be safe, aesthetically appealing, and public-friendly in every respect.
The Federal Minister also directed that green belts be made a mandatory component in the construction of new highways and motorways. He instructed NHA officials to incorporate horticulture into highway development plans so that modern infrastructure is complemented by environmentally friendly and aesthetically attractive roads. Abdul Aleem Khan reiterated that the objective of constructing and developing national highways and motorways was not merely to improve travel facilities but also to provide safe, attractive, and sustainable infrastructure. He directed the NHA to accelerate the pace of all ongoing projects and ensure their completion within stipulated timelines.
Federal Secretary Communications, Chairman NHA, and senior NHA officials from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab also briefed the meeting on various important matters.
