Highway Project Aims to Boost Balochistan’s Growth

  • Over Rs300 billion allocated for highway project.
  • PM emphasizes the road is crucial for Balochistan’s development.
  • Islamabad’s Jinnah Square underpass to be inaugurated soon.

The Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, stated on Thursday that the N-25 highway’s dualisation, which connects Chaman, Quetta, Kalat, Khuzdar, and Karachi, seeks to enhance traveler safety. He mentioned that this highway, previously known as the ‘killer highway’, has tragically resulted in over 2,000 fatalities.

He made these remarks at a ceremony held in Islamabad, where he initiated the Jinnah Square Murree Road Underpass project.

He noted that this project seeks to convert the formerly hazardous ‘bloody track’—responsible for over 2,000 deaths—into a secure, international-standard highway, which represents a major achievement in Balochistan’s growth and national connectivity.

He underscored that the N-25 highway’s dualisation is more than just a road project; it is a gift for Balochistan’s residents. He guaranteed that the highway would match national motorways, promising enhanced safety, better transport options, and economic progress for the region.

He remembered that the initial estimated cost in 2022-23 was Rs214 billion, but due to increasing costs, the revised amount has now surpassed Rs300 billion. He anticipates the project’s completion within the next two years.

He stressed that this road will stimulate development and advancement, linking Balochistan’s underserved areas to Karachi’s economic center, reflecting a commitment to fair progress across all provinces.

He mentioned that some individuals opposing this initiative are narrow-minded and not truly supportive of Balochistan’s people, stressing that fair development for all provinces is crucial for the nation’s overall advancement.

Concerning the underpass project in Islamabad, the Prime Minister acknowledged that traffic flow in the city has improved because of the city management’s collaborative efforts, guided by Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi.

During the event, Mohsin Naqvi announced that the underpass would be open for traffic in 35 days, ahead of the planned 60 days.

He added that work on a project near Faisal Mosque will commence shortly to tackle routine traffic issues, and requested the Prime Minister to assign at least 500 police officers to a dedicated traffic police unit in Islamabad.

In other news, during a meeting to discuss polio eradication, Shehbaz stressed the need to ensure all children under five receive the polio vaccine during the upcoming anti-polio campaign, which starts on April 21.

He emphasized that routine nationwide immunization against other dangerous diseases should be fully ensured alongside the campaign, with approximately 415,000 polio workers participating.

During a review of the national economy’s digitization, the Prime Minister tasked relevant ministries and institutions to form a working group for monitoring and implementation.

He commended the successful use of the digital wallet system for distributing the Ramazan Relief Package, recommending its use in other sectors as well.

The meeting highlighted the launch of an ICT application in Islamabad, providing access to over 150 government services.

In a discussion with Lord Wajid Khan, the UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Faith, Communities, and Resettlement, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing relations with the UK across trade, investment, education, and personal connections.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the British Pakistani community’s role as a vital link between Pakistan and the UK, and conveyed his well wishes to King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.