ISLAMABAD: China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd. (CSCEC) has been selected for the rehabilitation of sections of National Highway N-5 in Sindh under a $100 million Chinese grant-funded project, with the contract drafted for signing.
According to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan, the National Highway Authority (NHA), operating under the Ministry of Communications, is responsible for implementing the project aimed at improving road conditions, transport efficiency and connectivity along the national highway.
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the rehabilitation project on February 27, 2026, while CSCEC was subsequently selected to bid for the scheme.
The contract has been prepared for signing, marking progress towards implementation of the rehabilitation work.
The project is supported by a $100 million grant commitment from China under an agreement signed on December 31, 2020. Its planned implementation period is 24 months from the commencement of work.
N-5 rehabilitation to improve transport and trade connectivity
National Highway N-5 is one of Pakistan’s major transport corridors, connecting key cities, industrial centres, commercial hubs and agricultural markets.
The planned rehabilitation will focus on selected sections of the highway in Sindh, with the objective of improving road safety, driving conditions and the movement of passenger and freight traffic.
According to the project details, the proposed improvements are expected to reduce vehicle operating costs, minimise transportation delays and facilitate more efficient movement of goods.
Improved road conditions could also benefit transport operators, businesses and communities that depend on the highway for commercial activity and daily travel.
The rehabilitation is intended to strengthen domestic supply chains by addressing infrastructure conditions along the targeted sections of the national highway.
Chinese grant supports Pakistan’s road infrastructure
The $100 million Chinese grant forms part of ongoing Pakistan-China development cooperation in transport infrastructure and regional connectivity.
The project reflects bilateral efforts to modernise existing road networks and improve infrastructure supporting trade, logistics and economic activity.
Chinese financial assistance is expected to support rehabilitation of the identified N-5 sections, while the NHA will oversee implementation through the Ministry of Communications.
With the contractor selection process completed and the contract drafted, the project is moving towards the next stage of implementation.
The official document does not specify a commencement date for construction work.