ISLAMABAD, Jan 28: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has instructed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to expedite the completion of essential road projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), emphasizing the importance of timely completion, transparency, and high-quality construction.
During a high-level review meeting on NHA projects, the minister was updated that major infrastructure projects in KP are complete and awaiting formal inauguration by the Prime Minister. These include the Kohat–Jhand–Pindi Gheb Road and the Old Bannu Road Highway, which are set to enhance regional connectivity and boost economic activity.
Regarding project timelines, Abdul Aleem Khan learned that the Indus Highway (N-55) Kohat Section and the Peshawar Northern Bypass are on schedule for completion by June 2026. Additionally, the N-140 Highway, linking Chitral to Shandur and Shandur to Gilgit, is expected to be finished by December 2026.
The minister directed the acceleration of work on the N-55 Kohat Section and announced his intention to visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to inspect progress personally.
To ensure unparalleled transparency and financial discipline, Minister Abdul Aleem Khan required that all road maintenance payments be made only after the Chairman NHA conducts an on-site inspection and verification. He urged officials to avoid unnecessary maintenance payments.
The minister highlighted that delays increase costs and reiterated that the quality of construction should not be compromised.
Lastly, Abdul Aleem Khan instructed the NHA to actively engage with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government to resolve any pending issues. He emphasized the need for a better strategy for foreign-funded projects and insisted on formal approval from NHA Board Members for all developmental matters. The Chairman NHA was tasked with promptly providing a list of projects needing urgent cash flow to overcome technical or administrative obstacles.
The Federal Secretary Communications and Chairman NHA briefed the meeting about completed and ongoing NHA projects in KPK.
