ISLAMABAD, Aug 04 (APP):Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Tuesday paid tribute to police martyrs at a ceremony marking Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Police at the Motorway Police Headquarters, where he honoured the sacrifices of fallen police heroes, announced new safety measures for patrolling personnel, highlighted a sharp rise in National Highway Authority (NHA) revenue, and outlined a nationwide programme of motorway and highway expansion aimed at strengthening connectivity, trade and tourism. …
Aleem Khan salutes Police martyrs, launches road expansion drive
ISLAMABAD, Aug 04 (APP):Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Tuesday paid tribute to police martyrs at a ceremony marking Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Police at the Motorway Police Headquarters, where he honoured the sacrifices of fallen police heroes, announced new safety measures for patrolling personnel, highlighted a sharp rise in National Highway Authority (NHA) revenue, and outlined a nationwide programme of motorway and highway expansion aimed at strengthening connectivity, trade and tourism.
Speaking as the chief guest, Khan, accompanied by Inspector General Motorway Police Sultan Ahmad Chaudhry, laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Memorial and offered Fateha for the fallen personnel.
Describing Aug 4 as a significant day in the country’s history, the minister said the sacrifices of police martyrs, including 59 officers of the Motorway Police, would always be remembered.
He said the martyrdom of Safwat Ghayoor remained a symbol of courage and commitment for all security forces, adding that the Motorway Police had set an example of professionalism for the nation.
To improve the safety of motorway patrol officers, Khan announced the establishment of modern police stations, dedicated parking areas and emergency ambulance services near toll plazas.
Highlighting the NHA’s financial performance, he said the authority’s revenue had increased from Rs66 billion in 2024 to more than Rs127bn in 2026, enabling it to finance major infrastructure projects through indigenous resources without external dependence.
The minister said the government was expanding the country’s motorway and highway network across Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.
He said the Murree Expressway extension to Muzaffarabad would improve regional connectivity, while the MNJC Motorway would provide an alternative route to the Karakoram Highway and strengthen links with China.
He said the Sialkot-Kharian-Rawalpindi Highway would reduce the Islamabad-Lahore travel distance by around 100 kilometres and cut journey time by more than an hour.
Referring to projects in Sindh and Balochistan, Khan said the M-10 and Lyari Expressway are improving cargo movement from Karachi Port.
Construction of the M-6 motorway would begin soon, work on the Guru Nanak Expressway linking Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib is progressing, the minister added.
He further noted that the N-25 highway is targeted for completion next year, and M-8 motorway projects would enhance regional connectivity and cross-border trade with Iran.
Inspector General Motorway Police Sultan Ahmad Chaudhry also paid tribute to the martyrs and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to supporting the families of fallen personnel, saying they would never be left alone.
