PAKISTAN HAS SHORTER TRADE ROUTE FOR CENTRAL ASIA

MORE FOCUS ON RUSSIA FOR TRADE: ABDUL ALEEM KHAN
DG NLC CALLED ON FEDERAL MINISTER
Islamabad, May 29 – Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized the need to focus on enhancing trade with Russia and Central Asian states, noting that Pakistan provides a shorter and more strategic trade route for the region. He stated that future development hinges on institutional strategic planning and cooperation. Federal Minister made these remarks while chairing a joint session with the National Logistics Cell (NLC) and the National Highway Authority (NHA) and during a meeting with NLC Director General Maj. Gen. Farrukh Shehzad Rao. Abdul Aleem Khan underscored the importance of a unified platform involving relevant Ministries and institutions to drive trade facilitation and corridor connectivity. He appreciated the NLC’s vital role in promoting trade and acknowledged its commendable services towards national development. During the session, DG NLC Maj. Gen. Farrukh Shehzad Rao briefed the Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on the organization’s performance and upcoming projects. The NHA Chairman and senior officials also highlighted areas of mutual cooperation between the two institutions.
In a separate high-level review meeting chaired by the Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, discussions were held on the NHA’s Annual Maintenance Plan. The meeting approved maintenance, lighting and fencing projects for the Gujranwala Bypass, Tarnol-Kohat Road and Kamra Cantonment Road. Federal Minister directed that all future NHA maintenance schemes must be approved by the authorized forum. He emphasized that the approval process should be fully transparent with cost-effectiveness, adherence to quality standards, and long-term utility as guiding principles. Abdul Aleem Khan reiterated that the primary goal is to enhance travel convenience for the public and ensure that National Highways are as comfortable and efficient as possible. He added that NHA officers must focus solely on improving performance and noted a marked improvement under the authority’s new team. The Federal Secretary for Communications and the NHA Chairman briefed the Minister on critical aspects of the Annual Maintenance Plan.