Pakistan National Highway Authority infrastructure reforms

The Pakistani government has initiated a series of infrastructure projects and financial reforms centered on the National Highway Authority (NHA). Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan announced plans for a new motorway connecting Lahore and Rawalpindi, intended to reduce travel distance and time by connecting several cities including Gujranwala and Jhelum. Other planned developments include the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, expansions of the Faisalabad-Pindi Bhattian and Lahore-Sialkot motorways, and the extension of the Murree Expressway.

To support these long-term goals, the government is restructuring the NHA under a new business model designed to allow the agency to generate its own financial resources for highway construction and restoration over the next decade. Officials noted that ministry revenue has increased significantly, rising from approximately 66 billion rupees to between 160 billion and 166 billion rupees over a two and a half year period.

Economic reforms include reviewing project appraisals and financing models with consultants to ensure commercial viability. Additionally, the government plans to improve traveler services by establishing modern rest areas every 20 to 25 kilometers, implementing roadside afforestation programs, and constructing protective shades on the Gilgit-Skardu road to mitigate landslide risks.