Pakistan is set to upgrade key motorways and promote religious tourism, following a high-level National Highway Authority (NHA) meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan.
The decisions include expanding the Lahore-Sialkot motorway, constructing safer highways for Sikh pilgrims, and attracting foreign investment in hotels and resorts.
The NHA approved plans to convert the Lahore-Sialkot two-lane motorway into a three-lane highway, with work scheduled to begin soon. The Federal Minister also instructed authorities to accelerate the three-lane expansion of the Sialkot-Khariyan and Islamabad motorways.
“These upgrades will reduce congestion, meet future travel demands, and improve connectivity between major cities,” Abdul Aleem Khan said.
The Minister emphasized that the Sialkot-Rawalpindi motorway project, in collaboration with the Frontier Works Organization (FWO), will significantly ease traffic on the M2 motorway. Once completed, the distance between Lahore and Islamabad will be shortened by 100 kilometers, saving travelers approximately one hour.
Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib to become tourist hubs
Plans were also reviewed to connect Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib with three-lane motorways, complete with security fences. The initiative aims to increase religious tourism by facilitating easier access for Sikhs from India and the global diaspora.
Abdul Aleem Khan highlighted infrastructure improvements to support tourism, including the construction of three-, four-, and five-star hotels, shopping malls, and other amenities. “These steps will encourage large-scale foreign investment and enhance Pakistan’s soft image worldwide,” he added.
To further attract investors, the Federal Minister directed the NHA to organize roadshows in Europe, Britain, Canada, and the United States. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to combine improved transportation infrastructure with commercial opportunities, creating a lasting impact on Pakistan’s tourism and investment landscape.
