ISLAMABAD: Federal Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to complete the Multan-Muzaffargarh-Mianwali highway within two months as the government reviews progress on ongoing road projects and plans new transport links.
The directive was issued during a meeting focused on highway development, road safety and proposed infrastructure projects. The minister instructed the NHA to accelerate construction while ensuring that required safety measures are fully implemented.
The meeting also reviewed a proposed 123-kilometre model road connecting Mansehra and Naran. The NHA has been asked to prepare a feasibility study for the project, which could improve access to tourist destinations and strengthen regional trade links. However, the project’s implementation will depend on the findings of the study and subsequent decisions.
New Plans for Expressways and Motorways
The NHA will also move forward with international tendering for the proposed Guru Nanak Expressway, following the minister’s instructions. Khan highlighted the project’s religious significance for the Sikh community and called for investment from Sikh communities in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.
Officials also reviewed construction activities on different sections of the Grand Trunk Road between Rawalpindi and Peshawar. In addition, the meeting addressed plans to install safety railings during the expansion of the M-4 Motorway section between Pindi Bhattian and Faisalabad.
Focus on Road Safety and Public Facilities
The minister directed the NHA to improve facilities along new highways, including rest areas and washrooms on both sides of road corridors. He also stressed the importance of incorporating safety features into completed projects.
The authority was further instructed to make green belts a standard part of new highway and motorway development. Horticulture is to be included in road project planning to improve roadside environments and the appearance of transport infrastructure.
The two-month deadline for the Multan-Muzaffargarh-Mianwali highway places immediate emphasis on timely delivery. Progress will depend on construction readiness, effective project management and compliance with safety requirements. The proposed Mansehra-Naran road and Guru Nanak Expressway remain part of the government’s broader infrastructure agenda, with further progress tied to planning and procurement decisions.
