Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Communications, and Privatization, Abdul Aleem Khan, chaired an important meeting focused on enhancing road safety, emergency services, and infrastructure development nationwide.
During the session, the minister instructed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to formulate a comprehensive Safety and Security Plan for all motorways and highways, including GT Road. He stressed the need for immediate accident response measures, such as deploying rescue helicopters across all provinces.
“Saving lives is our utmost priority,” Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized, directing authorities to ensure ambulance availability similar to the Rescue 1122 service. He also tasked the NHA with identifying locations for emergency service centers along key routes, from Karachi to Peshawar and in Balochistan.
The minister set a one-week deadline for the NHA to present an emergency action plan. Additionally, he announced a strict crackdown on axle load violations, introducing a 1,000% increase in fines to enforce compliance.
“We will enforce a zero-tolerance policy on overloading—no leniency will be allowed,” he declared. Abdul Aleem Khan also ordered the removal of barriers from all roads, following the model of the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway.
To promote road safety awareness, the minister directed the launch of an impactful media campaign across print and electronic platforms. He highlighted the critical importance of human lives, stating, “The safety of travelers on motorways and highways is our top concern.” He called for swift action against vehicles involved in accidents and instructed immediate patrolling in underserved areas by motorway police.
The meeting also covered discussions on constructing the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway, exploring various proposals, and addressing pending issues with the Sialkot-Kharian Motorway project.
Detailed briefings on departmental matters and ongoing projects were presented by the federal secretary for communications and the chairman of NHA.
