Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to expanding and modernizing its transport infrastructure while strengthening collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
He made these remarks during a meeting with an ADB delegation led by Director General Hideaki Iwasaki, which called on him on Tuesday to discuss ongoing and upcoming development projects in Pakistan’s communications sector, according to a press release.
The minister informed the delegation that the National Highway Authority (NHA) has achieved a historic increase in revenue over the past year, setting the organization on a path toward financial self-sufficiency. He said that projects focused on public benefit, particularly the construction and expansion of highways and motorways, remain among the government’s top priorities.
Highlighting major developments, Abdul Aleem Khan said that the Lahore–Sialkot–Kharian–Rawalpindi Motorway will, upon completion, shorten travel distance by up to 100 kilometers, significantly reducing travel time and fuel consumption. The new route will also serve as an alternative corridor to the Lahore–Islamabad Motorway (M-2).
He added that speed limits are being strictly enforced to ensure safer highways, while Emergency Rescue Services and an Air Ambulance System are being introduced to improve road safety and emergency response.
The minister also shared that construction work on the Karachi–Hyderabad Motorway will commence from Karachi Port, enhancing Pakistan’s freight transport network.
Appreciating the ADB’s assistance in the CAREC (Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation) project, he said the NHA is operating with professionalism and commitment to ensure timely completion of development schemes.
In his remarks, ADB Director General Hideaki Iwasaki reaffirmed the strong and longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the Bank. He commended Pakistan’s infrastructure and transport development efforts and lauded the government’s decision to host the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference 2025 in Islamabad, which the ADB Mission will also attend.
The meeting was also attended by the Federal Secretary for Communications and the Chairman of the NHA. Minister Abdul Aleem Khan directed both officials to maintain close coordination with ADB to ensure the timely completion of all projects.
