ISLAMABAD, Jul 09, 2026
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday stressed the need for timely completion of key highway projects in the province, saying modern road infrastructure was vital for economic growth, tourism promotion and regional connectivity.
He expressed these views during a meeting with National Highway Authority (NHA) Chairman Capt (Retd) Asadullah here, where they reviewed progress on ongoing and proposed highway projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The meeting discussed the Hazara Expressway, Chakdara-Dir-Chitral Road, the Paniala Interchange under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the Dera Ismail Khan-Tibbi Qaisrani-Dera Ghazi Khan road project.
Matters relating to timely completion of the projects, availability of funds and provision of improved travel facilities to the public also came under discussion.
The Governor said projects such as the Hazara Expressway and Chakdara-Dir-Chitral Road would not only improve connectivity for people in northern districts but also create new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment.
Describing the Paniala Interchange as an important project on the western route of CPEC, Kundi said its early completion would boost commercial activities in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly Dera Ismail Khan, and strengthen links with the national highway network.
He urged NHA authorities to accelerate work on all development schemes so that people could benefit from them at the earliest.
The meeting also reviewed progress on the dualisation of the Dera Ismail Khan-Dera Ghazi Khan Road.
The Governor proposed inclusion of the Naiwela and Parova bypass roads in the project, calling them a longstanding demand of the local population.
The NHA chairman informed the meeting that work on the Sherwan Interchange on the Hazara Expressway in Abbottabad would begin after the release of Rs 3.36 million in funds.
He said work on the Lowari Tunnel was in progress, while development regarding the Shah Isa Interchange was also underway.
Governor Kundi directed the NHA to take action over the substandard work on the Mastung-Chitral Road project and ensure its early completion. He was also briefed on the planned repair work on the Hakla-Dera Ismail Khan section of the CPEC route.
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