ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP): Federal Minister for Communications, Privatization and Board of Investment Abdul Aleem Khan has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to setup priorities for the construction of highways and identification of new projects. He observed that there would be no compromise on the quality of construction of highways and roads so Chairman NHA should depute honest and competent officers for the projects.
Chairing a high-level meeting of the NHA here Thursday, the federal minister said that the real problem was the funds as just spending money was not a miracle so the Government departments have to take steps to raise their income. He further said that the officers of the NHA should take advantage of their abilities and expertise to develop a model of working on projects in other countries as well so that the annual income of the Authority could be increased.
Regarding the construction of highways and roads in the northern region, Abdul Aleem Khan said that the construction of the Gilgit-Khunjrab Motorway could prove to be a game changer by providing access to China and Central Asian States, similarly land connectivity through road and rail up to Gwadar is of very important.
In the meeting, the federal minister was given a detailed briefing on the Gilgit Package including the construction of Gilgit to Chitral, Shandoor, Mansehra and other roads by NHA, on which Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said that increasing the security and facilities on the highways would also enhance the number of tourists and traveling citizens. It was informed in the meeting that this year, the NHA will get additional funds of 23 billion rupees including the construction of new toll plazas and their functioning. The projects of NHA in the four provinces were discussed in detail and some important decisions were taken in this high level meeting.
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