Federal Minister for Privatization and Investment Board and Communications Abdul Aleem Khan chaired a joint departmental meeting between the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) and the National Highway Authority (NHA) that took key decisions aimed at enhancing the efficiency and safety of Pakistan's road infrastructure.
During the meeting, Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized the need for coordinated mutual policies between FWO and NHA.
Abdul Aleem Khan instructed the enforcement of a ban on excessive axle loads on Grant Trunk GT Roads, similar to regulations on motorways across the country. Weighing stations are to be established on GT Roads for heavy vehicles to ensure compliance.
The minister called for the use of "e-challan" systems to penalize traffic violations such as speeding, seat belt non-compliance, and mobile phone use. He also stressed the importance of installing surveillance cameras on national highways to prevent accidents.
Khan emphasized that NHA and FWO must rigorously implement traffic rules and regulations, asserting that no external pressures or recommendations should influence the axle load ban.
The federal minister highlighted the necessity of constructing new motorways and highways with future needs in mind. He issued specific instructions for the Sialkot to Khariyan and Islamabad motorways, advocating for their development as two-way and six-lane roads to accommodate growing traffic demands.
The meeting, which also included briefings from Director General FWO Major General Abdul Sami and Chairman NHA Shehryar Sultan, covered the status of motorways, GT Roads, and ongoing construction projects. A decision was made to reconvene for another joint departmental meeting next week to continue discussions and oversee the implementation of these directives.
