It has been declared by the Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan that long-awaited work on two key motorway projects—the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) and the Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway (M-9)—will finally going to be started in this year. The projects, collectively valued at $2 billion, are set to significantly improve travel and trade across Sindh and the broader region.
M-6: A Long-Delayed Dream Nearing Reality
The M-6 motorway is an essential link in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has encountered over 6 years of delays. In recent months, pressure has mounted on the government to fast-track its construction. During a Senate committee meeting, lawmakers seemed to prompt the National Highway Authority to halt work on other road projects and prioritize the M-6.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal echoed the urgency, assuring the Senate Standing Committee on Planning and Development that their directives would be implemented. He also proposed dividing the M-6 into three sections to expedite development.
Reviving M-9 and Expanding Road Networks
Alongside the M-6, the minister has ratified that construction of the M-9 which is considered to be another critical route between Karachi and Hyderabad—would also begin within the year. These two motorways are expected to drastically reduce travel time, ease freight movement, and bolster economic integration in Sindh.
Read more: Countrywide N-5 GT Road will be upgraded to motorway-style uniform three-lanes
Expanding to Northern and Western Pakistan
The federal government is also setting its sights on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with plans to commence work on motorways connecting
- Mansehra
- Naran
- Kaghan
These routes will prove to be really helpful
- In facilitating local travel
- Boost tourism in the scenic northern valleys
The Quetta-Karachi Highway N25 is undergoing via the process of upgradation to become a 4-lane motorway, and this is truly an important step towards improving safety and accessibility on one of the province’s busiest routes.
Linking Lahore to Kasur
Minister Khan has given directives to the officials to present a detailed plan for an 18-kilometer link road connecting Lahore to Kasur, specifically to make daily commutes easier and improve regional connectivity.
These initiatives reflect the strong will and focus of the government on infrastructure, economic growth, and regional integration, signaling a transformative period for Pakistan’s road network.