JHELUM: The federal government has reaffirmed its plan to extend the Lahore-Sialkot-Kharian Motorway to Rawalpindi during its current tenure, according to Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani. The proposed extension is aimed at improving regional connectivity and supporting economic activity along the route.
Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected office-bearers of the Jhelum Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kayani also highlighted the importance of strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He urged local business representatives to learn from the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry and develop a strategy to promote Jhelum as an industrial and commercial centre.
The minister called on the Jhelum chamber to prepare a detailed industrial development plan and said he would visit the organisation in one month to review its proposals. He also announced plans for a delegation from Jhelum to visit the Sialkot chamber to study its approach and explore ways to improve local business support.
Kayani said the private sector plays a central role in employment generation, while the government should provide an environment that allows businesses to grow. He added that he would raise the chamber’s proposals at the federal level if they presented a practical roadmap for industrial development.
The minister also referred to the government’s efforts to support small and medium-sized businesses, including the reconstitution of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) board.
The motorway extension could strengthen transport links between Rawalpindi and other commercial areas, although a detailed implementation schedule was not provided in the reported remarks. Further official updates will be needed to clarify the project’s timeline and development progress.
