Aleem Khan approves key highway projects to enhance GB connectivity

ISLAMABAD, Apr 16 (APP):Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan on Thursday approved a series of key road infrastructure projects in Gilgit-Baltistan aimed at boosting tourism and better connectivity.

Chairing a high-level meeting here at the National Highway Authority headquarters, the minister reviewed ongoing and proposed highway schemes and issued directives to expedite development work across the region.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held and key decisions were approved regarding the construction and development of highways in the region. To promote tourism and provide better travel facilities to remote areas in Gilgit Baltistan, it was decided to construct several new roads. These projects include the construction of a 54-kilometer road from Astore to Chilam Chowki and a 31-kilometer road from Deosai to Skardu. Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan also directed that a formal survey be conducted for the Skardu–Deosai Road.

Emphasizing the importance of wider roads in difficult and mountainous terrain, the minister instructed that all newly constructed roads in Gilgit-Baltistan must have a minimum width of 7.3 meters while existing roads should be widened in phases. The meeting approved the reconstruction of Upper Kachura, Basho Road and Shigar Road. Additionally, it was decided to construct a 36-kilometer road from the Karakoram Highway to Naltar Satranga Lake. Furthermore, approval was granted to include the 12-kilometer challenging road from Ray Kot to Fairy Meadows in the tourism development package to improve access.

Khan stated that building world-class highways in the scenic areas of Gilgit-Baltistan was the need of the hour which would not only boost tourism but also strengthen the local economy. He emphasized that an improved road network would attract a greater number of domestic and international tourists to these breathtaking destinations.

He directed NHA officials to maintain close coordination with the Gilgit-Baltistan Government and ensure progress on all these projects through a well-coordinated strategy. He also instructed preparation of a comprehensive briefing on tourism-related road projects.

During the meeting, Chairman NHA and senior officials from Gilgit-Baltistan briefed the Federal Minister in detail on ongoing and proposed projects. Abdul Aleem Khan reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to providing the best possible travel facilities to Pakistan’s most beautiful tourist destinations, stating that all available resources would be utilized in this regard.