GB residents exempted from toll tax of NHA

Islamabad:Federal Minister for Privatisation, Board of investment, and Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, held two key meetings on Friday- with Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Gulbar Khan, and with Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov. Both meetings focused on economic development, investment opportunities, and infrastructure enhancement in Pakistan.

During his meeting with Chief Minister Gulbar Khan, Abdul Aleem Khan discussed the expansion of the National Highway Authority (NHA) in Gilgit-Baltistan and its crucial role in regional development. He emphasised that Gilgit-Baltistan’s progress is vital for Pakistan’s overall prosperity and reaffirmed NHA’s commitment to improving the road network. Acknowledging the region’s growing tourism sector, he highlighted that thousands of tourists visit Gilgit-Baltistan every year, significantly contributing to its economy. To further improve infrastructure, the minister proposed the introduction of a toll tax for tourists, with collected funds dedicated to enhancing NHA’s road infrastructure in the region. However, he assured that local residents would be exempt from this tax. Chief Minister Gulbar Khan appreciated the federal minister’s dedication to the development of Gilgit-Baltistan and expressed the provincial government’s commitment to working closely with NHA for the region’s progress.

Furthermore, in his meeting with Azerbaijan’s Ambassador, Khazar Farhadov, Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized the importance of strengthening economic relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. He appreciated Azerbaijan’s interest in investing in Pakistan, particularly in infrastructure development. The Minister highlighted that Pakistan offers attractive investment opportunities and specifically mentioned that investment in major road projects such as M-6 and M-9 motorways could be highly beneficial for both countries.

Discussing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to Azerbaijan, Minister Abdul Aleem Khan stressed the need to implement key investment agreements and assured full facilitation for Azerbaijani investors through government institutions.