ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to accelerate work on delayed infrastructure projects and complete stalled schemes independently where provincial governments fail to meet commitments.

Chairing a high-level review meeting of the NHA in Islamabad on Friday, the minister expressed dissatisfaction over delays in several key road and motorway projects, saying setbacks linked to provincial non-compliance were affecting national connectivity and transport infrastructure.

According to an official statement, Abdul Aleem Khan said the federal government would no longer tolerate unnecessary delays in major development projects.

The minister specifically referred to delays involving the Peshawar Northern Bypass project, saying the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had not fulfilled commitments after more than five months. He directed the NHA to proceed with the project independently if provincial funding was not provided.

He also said the Punjab government had failed to release its committed share for the Rawalpindi-Kahuta road project, leading to instructions for the NHA to take over completion of the remaining work.

Expansion planned for motorway network

During the meeting, Abdul Aleem Khan also ordered expansion of the motorway network, including widening the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway from four lanes to six.

He further directed that the Sialkot-Kharian and Kharian-Rawalpindi sections should also be developed as six-lane motorway projects.

The minister instructed officials to ensure complete technical accuracy in project feasibility studies and directed that final construction phases, particularly bridges on the Peshawar Northern Bypass, should be completed before the start of the July monsoon season.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary Communications and the Chairman of the National Highway Authority.

Officials said the federal government aims to prioritise timely completion of infrastructure projects to improve transport efficiency and connectivity across the country.