Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Monday said the construction of new motorways and expansion of the national highway network remained the government’s top priority as the National Highway Authority (NHA) recorded a historic 63 percent increase in revenue during the last fiscal year.
Addressing the 12th Basic Recruit Course Passing Out Parade at the National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) Training College, the minister emphasized that the ceremony marks a solemn pledge of loyalty and a professional milestone, said a press release.
The minister announced a special salary increase for the Motorway Police Force, acknowledging their dedication to public safety.
A total of 401 officers, including 67 female officers, successfully completed their training and passed out from the course.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan highlighted the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) historic financial performance, reporting a remarkable 63% increase in revenue which rose from Rs. 66.8 billion in June 2024 to Rs. 109 billion by June 2025.
Abdul Aleem Khan attributed this unprecedented growth to transparency and improved governance, stating that these resources are being channeled back into infrastructure projects designed to link Pakistan’s ports to its northern borders.
Detailing the infrastructure road-map, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan announced that the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway will be linked to Islamabad via Kharian, a move that will reduce the travel distance by 100 kilometers.
To further promote tourism and regional connectivity, he noted that the Mansehra-Kaghan-Naran Motorway will be connected to Babusar Top, providing a vital alternative route to the Karakoram Highway (KKH) up to the Chinese border.
Abdul Aleem Khan confirmed that work is in full swing on the Karachi-Quetta-Chaman Expressway (N-25) and the integration of the Motorway network from Sukkur to Hyderabad and onwards to the Karachi ports.
He also told the participants that the NHA is working on Guru Nanak Expressway project that would boost religious tourism in the country and road-shows to project the project shall be organized in Canada and other countries to attract Sikh diaspora, in this regard.
He reaffirmed that the construction of the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) is on track to begin in May 2026 and shall be finished in 2 years time. He also expressed his resolve to install barrier free toll plazas and Air Ambulance for the Motorways and Highways in collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force.
Commending the female contingent specifically, Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan stated that their inclusion is vital for the country’s progress, urging all officers to remain hallmarks of honesty and courtesy for all other law enforcement agencies in the country.
Later on, while talking to the media, the Minister remarked that Pakistan and its people did host Afghan citizens with great hospitality for 40 years. He expressed deep regret that, despite this, terrorist activities are being carried out against Pakistan.
He emphasized the need for an amicable resolution to the Middle East crisis.
Furthermore, Abdul Aleem Khan stressed that in these challenging times, it is essential to adopt austerity and financial prudence in both personal and official capacities to effectively navigate the current difficulties.