Aleem Khan urges focus on trade with Russia and Central Asia

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Thursday highlights the need to enhance trade with Russia and Central Asian states, stating that Pakistan offers a shorter and strategic trade route for the region.

He says future development depends on institutional strategic planning and cooperation.

The minister makes these remarks while chairing a joint session with the National Logistics Cell (NLC) and the National Highway Authority (NHA) and during a meeting with NLC Director General Maj. Gen. Farrukh Shehzad Rao, according to a press release. Abdul Aleem Khan stresses the importance of a unified platform involving relevant ministries and institutions to drive trade facilitation and corridor connectivity.

He acknowledges the NLC’s role in promoting trade and its services toward national development.

During the session, DG NLC Maj. Gen. Farrukh Shehzad Rao briefs the minister on the organization’s performance and upcoming projects. The NHA chairman and senior officials highlight areas of mutual cooperation between the two institutions.

In a separate high-level review meeting chaired by Abdul Aleem Khan, discussions focus on the NHA’s Annual Maintenance Plan. The meeting approves maintenance, lighting, and fencing projects for the Gujranwala Bypass, Tarnol-Kohat Road, and Kamra Cantonment Road.

The federal minister directs that all future NHA maintenance schemes must be approved by the authorized forum. He emphasizes that the approval process should be transparent, cost-effective, adhere to quality standards, and ensure long-term utility.