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Pakistan targets higher highway revenue as businesses question toll increases

Pakistan’s communications minister Aleem Khan set a 160 billion rupee revenue target for the National Highway Authority, against a previous 66 billion rupees. He outlined road upgrades and a 50 billion rupee spending cap. Business representatives requested consultation before toll increases, warning that higher charges add to freight costs and weaken competitiveness.

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Seated listeners watch an official speak at a lectern beside a Pakistan flag.

Road authority targets more of its own revenue

Pakistan’s communications minister Aleem Khan outlined national road-financing reforms at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a business organisation in Pakistan. His address covered financial discipline at the National Highway Authority, the body responsible for national road infrastructure, and the use of its own resources for development.[1], [2]

Khan set a revenue target of 160 billion Pakistani rupees, compared with a previous level of 66 billion rupees, and said spending would be capped at 50 billion rupees. He said salaries, routine maintenance and emergency repairs to flood-damaged roads and bridges took a substantial share of income.[1]

Routes and lane expansion feature in plans

Khan described a route intended to shorten the distance between the Pakistani cities of Lahore and Islamabad from approximately 380 kilometres to 280 kilometres. He said the Sialkot motorway in Pakistan was being expanded from four lanes to six, with an additional 10 billion rupees from the highway authority. He also outlined completion objectives for connections to Khyber and Balochistan in Pakistan.[1]

Businesses seek consultation before toll rises

Chamber president Ali Hussam Asghar asked the highway authority to consult major chambers before raising tolls. He said higher charges increased freight and transport costs and affected business competitiveness. The minister also referred to continuing road projects funded under an earlier public development programme.[1]

References

  1. News sourceBusiness RecorderPakistan highway authority targets 160 billion rupees in revenue↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourcePress Information Department, Government of PakistanFederal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan Outlines Strategic Infrastructure Modernization and Financial Reforms at LCCI Address↩
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