Minister for Communication Abdul Aleem Khan directs NHA move to outsource right-of-way management

The National Highway Authority has decided to outsource right-of-way (ROW) management along national highways across the country to boost revenue and improve transparency, according to a government press release.

Under directives from the Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, the authority has invited tenders for outsourcing ROW management, which includes collection of non-objection certificate (NOC) fees and annual rents from commercial establishments such as hotels and fuel stations.

The initiative is intended to create employment and business opportunities through public-private partnerships while adhering to Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules.

Key regions covered in the outsourcing plans include areas along major highways such as N-5 to N-80 in cities including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta.

Firms with an annual net worth of at least PKR 300 million are eligible to participate, with financial bids set to be opened on February 25, 2026.

The move is aligned with the communications minister’s vision to transform NHA into a self-sustaining entity and reduce reliance on the national exchequer.