Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan addressed the business community at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry today, articulating a vision for national economic growth driven by institutional financial discipline, expanded trade corridors, and continuous private sector engagement.
In his opening remarks, the Federal Minister extended warm congratulations to the newly elected leadership of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, assuring them of full official cooperation and underscoring the vital role of the business fraternity in driving national prosperity. Expressing pride in his own long-standing association with the Chamber, Minister Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized that industrial growth and trade activity form the bedrock of the country's economic future.
Addressing the structural transformation of the National Highway Authority, the Minister detailed a series of key financial reforms designed to achieve operational sustainability without overburdening the public exchequer. Through enhanced fiscal management and revenue optimization, the Authority's revenue is being scaled up from sixty-six billion rupees to one hundred and sixty billion rupees, successfully reversing past financial constraints that previously restricted new road development. Simultaneously, administrative expenses have been strictly capped at fifty billion rupees, ensuring that surplus capital is directed toward national construction priorities. Demonstrating a balanced approach to regional development, seventy percent of total revenue is being reinvested into infrastructure in Balochistan, with the N-25 highway earmarked as a major focus supported by national leadership. Across the country, sixty-six major projects requiring three trillion rupees in investment are being prioritized to strengthen national connectivity.
Highlighting major highway developments, the Minister noted that the expansion of the Faisalabad Motorway is progressing rapidly without utilizing government budget funds, and announced plans to visit the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce upon its completion. He also highlighted the Sambrial-Kharian Motorway project, which will reduce the travel distance between Lahore and Rawalpindi by one hundred kilometers and save over an hour of travel time for commuters and transport networks. Construction on the Lodhran Expressway will soon be completed using internal resources, while work on the Sukkur-Karachi Motorway is set to commence next month, featuring three approved sectors that will extend high-speed road access directly to Karachi Port ahead of its inauguration next month. In addition, following the recent beautification of the Murree Expressway, plans are underway to extend the route into Azad Kashmir, alongside future motorway extensions beyond Kaghan and Naran to promote tourism and facilitate direct trade routes to the Chinese border and neighboring regions.
Reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to resolving industry concerns, Minister Abdul Aleem Khan responded to operational issues raised by Chamber leaders by directing officials from the National Highway Authority and the Motorway Police to convene regular joint meetings with LCCI leadership. He further proposed designating a focal person within the Ministry of Communications to ensure seamless communication with the business community, assuring attendees that no project detrimental to trade interests would be pursued.
In response, LCCI President Ali Hassam Asghar lauded the Federal Minister's leadership and strategic vision. The Federal Minister for Communications also had an interactive session with the members of the Chamber and the highlighted the need to avoid over-speeding on national motorways and highways to avert loss of life.
The event which was attended by President, Senior Vice President and Vice President of the Chamber, also featured a special documentary showcasing Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan’s public service and philanthropic achievements.
