ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has disclosed that in line with the promise to the public, construction of the Karachi-Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorways will have to commence this year.
He added that the Islamic Development Bank has expressed willingness to fund the project while final decision regarding the loan approval is expected in September this year after its board meeting.
Commenting on the media talk of Chief Minister of Sindh regarding the Motorways, Aleem Khan expressed that as the federal minister, he takes responsibility for the past year only but does not want to comment on the inaction of previous governments regarding the construction of the Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Karachi motorways.
He emphasized the corporate importance of connecting Karachi Port to the National Motorway network, highlighting that without this connection, the motorway’s utility for import, export, and business would be of no use. He pointed out that different political parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party, remained in power but unfortunately, several years were wasted due to the failure to initiate these critical infrastructure projects like motorways of Karachi-Hyderabad-Sukkur.
Aleem Khan reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to construct not only the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway but also the Hyderabad-Karachi section as well while the aim is to complete the entire route within two years. Furthermore, the Northern Bypass will be converted into an 8-lane Highway and linked to the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway.
He added that the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway has been divided into 5 zones. The Islamic Development Bank will finance three of these zones while funding for the remaining two will be sought from other banks or donor agency. The federal minister for communications extended his thanks to the Chief Minister of Sindh and stated that the federal government would definitely not hesitate to request the Sindh government’s contribution of PKR 25 billion, if needed.
He affirmed the federal government’s desire to complete this USD2 billion project as swiftly as possible through its own resources. Moreover, Aleem Khan stated that the National Highway Authority (NHA) is actively working on the Lyari Expressway. This project will also be upgraded to meet international standards and, upon completion will be presented as a gift to the people of Karachi.