Prime Minister Shahbaz reaffirmed the government’s
commitment to providing top-notch
travel facilities across Pakistan
Associated Press of Pakistan
Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to repair all damaged protective fences on motorways within one month and take strict action against those responsible for theft or damage.
Chairing review meetings on NHA issues and safety measures for national highways, the Prime Minister emphasized the pivotal role of highways and motorways in driving national development and economic growth. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing top-notch travel facilities across Pakistan.
Focus on Key Development Projects
PM Shehbaz instructed the formation of a steering committee to oversee progress on critical infrastructure projects, including:
- Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway
- Ratodero-Gwadar Motorway
- Hyderabad-Karachi Motorway
- Karachi-Quetta-Chaman National Highway
- Reconstruction of sections of the Karakoram Highway
He urged expediting development work on these priority projects.
The meeting was updated on the Lahore-Sahiwal-Bahawalnagar Motorway, with land acquisition underway from Lahore Ring Road to Raiwind-Kasur Road. This motorway is expected to benefit several districts in South East Punjab.
Improved Safety and Security on Motorways
In another meeting addressing safety concerns, the Prime Minister stressed the completion of all motorway safety fence repairs within a month. He also called for enhanced policing and patrolling on national highways and motorways.
Officials revealed that out of 4,027 kilometers of protective fences on motorways, 859 kilometers had been stolen or damaged, resulting in 36 accidents over the past four years. A total of 178 FIRs have been lodged regarding these incidents.
Legislation is underway to designate motorways as strategic assets, allowing stricter legal action against those who damage or steal from them.
Participants in the Meeting
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, and senior government officials attended the meetings.
