Construction of Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway to Begin Next Month, NHA Administrative Expenses to Be Capped at Rs50 Billion: Abdul Aleem Khan

*LAHORE :* Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has announced that construction of the Sukkur-Hyderabad section of the Karachi-Sukkur Motorway will formally begin next month. He also said that the administrative expenditure of the National Highway Authority (NHA) is being reduced from Rs66 billion to Rs50 billion as part of institutional reforms and financial discipline.

Addressing a gathering of the business community at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on October 24, the federal minister said the NHA’s revenue was being increased from Rs66 billion to Rs160 billion, making the institution financially self-sufficient and reducing its dependence on the national exchequer.

He said that the reduction in administrative expenditure would allow more resources to be allocated to infrastructure development and major national projects.

Highlighting the government’s infrastructure development agenda, Abdul Aleem Khan stated that 66 major infrastructure projects, with a combined estimated cost of Rs3,000 billion, were awaiting implementation across the country.

He said that 70 percent of the NHA’s total revenue was being allocated to infrastructure development in Balochistan, reflecting the government’s commitment to balanced regional development. The construction and expansion of the N-25 highway also remained a key priority.

Regarding motorway expansion, the minister said work on the Faisalabad Motorway extension was progressing rapidly without requiring any funds from the national exchequer.

He added that the Sambrial-Kharian Motorway would reduce the travelling distance between Lahore and Rawalpindi/Islamabad by approximately 100 kilometres, saving more than an hour for passengers and freight transporters.

The Lodhran Expressway would also be completed soon using the NHA’s own resources, he said.

Abdul Aleem Khan further announced that the Sukkur-Hyderabad section of the Karachi-Sukkur Motorway would enter its construction phase next month. Three sections of the project have already been approved, and its completion would provide direct motorway connectivity to Karachi Port, strengthening trade and transportation links.

He also disclosed plans to extend the Murree Expressway towards Azad Kashmir following its renovation. In addition, a new motorway beyond Kaghan and Naran was being planned to promote tourism and establish stronger trade connections with China and other neighbouring countries.

Addressing concerns raised by the business community, the federal minister directed officials of the NHA and Motorway Police to hold regular joint meetings with the LCCI leadership to resolve issues affecting traders and businesses.

He also proposed appointing a dedicated focal person in the Ministry of Communications to ensure continuous and effective coordination with the business community. He assured participants that no project would be initiated without considering the interests of the business sector.

LCCI President Mian Hassam Asghar appreciated the federal minister’s leadership, commitment and development vision.

During an interactive question-and-answer session, Abdul Aleem Khan also highlighted the dangers of overspeeding on national highways and motorways, stressing the importance of compliance with traffic regulations to protect precious human lives.

The event was attended by the LCCI president, senior vice president, vice president and a large number of business representatives. A specially produced documentary highlighting the federal minister’s political, national and philanthropic contributions was also screened on the occasion.