Federal Minister for Investment Board, Communications, and Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan has announced a bold plan to raise the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) revenue target to Rs500 billion over the next five years.
Speaking at a press conference, Aleem Khan emphasized his commitment to utilizing all resources for the country’s development, stating, “My recognition is due to my country, and I am determined to achieve this goal.”
Since taking office, Mr Khan has overseen a steady rise in NHA’s revenue, which has now reached Rs110 billion annually, up from Rs64 billion previously.
This increase, he noted, came despite his low profile, adding, “The income of NHA rose by over Rs50 billion, but I have refrained from making noise about it. My focus remains on results.”
A notable development under his tenure is the shift of 99% of vehicles on the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway to M-Tag, ensuring smoother traffic flow and efficient toll collection. The Minister has directed authorities to enhance vehicle monitoring through number plate and side cameras, which, he asserted, will further streamline operations and curb violations.
Khan expressed confidence that the NHA’s performance in the past six months would set the foundation for financial independence, calling recent data “encouraging.”
Furthermore, in an effort to protect road infrastructure, the Minister announced a crackdown on overloaded trucks on both the motorway and national highways. He emphasized that overloaded vehicles cause substantial damage to road surfaces, adding that revenue should not come at the expense of infrastructure degradation. “No truck will be allowed to travel with extra load,” he affirmed.
In line with the Rs500 billion goal, the Minister shared his vision of transforming the NHA into a global player, capable of competing internationally and expanding operations beyond Pakistan. He highlighted ongoing efforts on over 100 NHA projects, indicating a robust pipeline for growth. “I want NHA to secure tenders, grow revenue, and become a global company. With Allah’s grace, I am confident we will succeed.”
As part of his final remarks, Khan reiterated his commitment to achieving the ambitious revenue target, saying, “The day NHA reaches the Rs500 billion mark, I will know that, by Allah’s grace, I have fulfilled my mission.”
