Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Friday said that the National Highway Authority (NHA) recorded a significant revenue increase of Rs50 billion in the past year compared to the previous fiscal period.
Speaking during the question hour session in the Senate, the minister stated that Pakistan could generate billions more by enhancing road infrastructure in tourist destinations. He offered that the NHA is ready to take responsibility for roads in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir to unlock tourism potential.
He emphasized that upgrading roads in scenic areas could substantially boost national revenue, particularly during the summer holidays when tourist traffic peaks. "We have written to the provinces and Azad Kashmir authorities, asking them to hand over roads to the NHA, which will then refurbish them," Khan added.
Regarding infrastructure development, the minister shared details of the Lowari Tunnel, noting that Package One, covering 6.18 kilometers, was completed in 2010, while Package Two spanned 14.6 kilometers, including the South Access of 7.3 kilometers, which was completed in December 2020.
Khan also vowed to take strict action if any violations of deputation rules are found within the NHA. "If any appointment is proven to be against Supreme Court rulings, immediate action will be taken," he assured. "Anyone occupying a position in violation of the rules will be promptly removed. We have no personal interests in these matters," the minister concluded.
