Islamabad:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday instructed Karachi-Chaman National Highway (N-25) to be converted to a high quality highway that matched the standards of Pakistan’s highways.
The Prime Minister was chairman of a high-level review meeting at the Prime Minister’s House to assess the progress of the construction and upgrade of the 790-kilometer Karachi-Chaman National Highway (N-25), an important transport corridor, states a Prime Minister’s Office’s statement.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the project was a cornerstone of socio -economic development in Balochistan.
“The upgrade of Karachi-Chaman Highway is not only a road project-it is a strategic lifeline for Balochistan’s prosperity,” he said.
The premiere mentioned that instead of passing on the recent reduction in petroleum product prices to the public, the government has redirected these savings to finance the Expressway project. “All provinces supported this step and symbolized national unity and a common commitment to the boost of Balochistan,” he added.
The prime minister said that once ended the travel time between Karachi and Chaman – at present approx. 18 hours – would be reduced to only 6 to 8 hours. “This will increase trade, transport and public convenience along the route.” he added.
During the meeting, strict instructions were issued to ensure top-level construction standards and timely implementation within two years. The PM Prime Minister also instructed environmental protection measures to be incorporated during construction and that third-party validation is carried out after completion.
To facilitate local traffic and improve accessibility, prices will be constructed around all major cities along the route. In addition, the Prime Minister asked the Minister of Balochistan to ensure coordination with relevant departments for timely acquisition of land.
The meeting was informed that the highway will be a four-lane, double lane. Delays in the project had previously been caused by financing shortages, which have now been treated through the government’s new budgetary approach. Construction on the Khuzdar-Mastung section has already begun and planning is underway in five segments between Karachi and Khuzdar.
Governor of Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail and Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti thanked the prime minister for his dedicated focus on Balochistan’s development.
The meeting attended Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Federal Minister of Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema and other senior officials. Minister of Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti joined via video link.
