Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan informed the Senate Standing Committee on Communications on Friday that the National Highway Authority (NHA) has seen a 63% increase in revenue, attributing the growth to reforms and improved management practices.
During a detailed briefing to the committee, Khan highlighted ongoing and upcoming projects across the country, including key motorway expansions, service area developments, and initiatives aimed at boosting tourism. The minister said the NHA’s revenue had increased from Rs66.8 billion in 2024 to Rs108.9 billion, with a target of reaching Rs400-500 billion by the end of his tenure.
The revenue boost, Khan noted, was largely due to reforms such as the implementation of M-Tag, axle load control, and more transparent toll plaza management. He addressed criticism about the NHA being run like a housing society, asserting that the measures had benefited the national economy and brought billions in revenue.
The minister also unveiled plans for an air ambulance service, set to launch by 2026, aimed at providing quick emergency response on highways. Additionally, new service areas with proper facilities will be developed at intervals of 20-25 kilometers on motorways, funded through NHA’s own revenue without government grants.
Khan provided updates on key infrastructure projects, including the Mansehra-Kaghan Highway and the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway. He also confirmed the ongoing development of the Hyderabad–Karachi Motorway, linking it to the Karachi Port to reduce accidents and improve traffic flow.
Highlighting the significance of tourism, Khan mentioned discussions with the governments of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to transfer various mountainous roads to NHA for development to support tourism.
Regarding the Sialkot–Rawalpindi project, Khan announced an upgrade from a four-lane to a six-lane motorway, which will reduce the Lahore–Islamabad travel distance by 100 kilometers and cut travel time from three-and-a-half hours to two-and-a-half hours, with positive implications for fuel savings and traffic management.
The committee also reviewed issues related to the Chakdara–Timergara Road and Shandur Road, particularly concerns about heavy traffic and frequent accidents on the first section of the project. Khan assured the committee that these issues would be addressed.
The session ended with a brief exchange between Khan and Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, after which the minister offered an apology. The remaining agenda items were deferred to the next meeting.
The session was attended by various senators, including Senator Pervaiz Rashid, who expressed satisfaction with the minister’s briefing, noting that the committee’s concerns had been adequately addressed.