ISLAMABAD: Contrary to the vision of the incumbent Federal Minister for Communications, who has repeatedly stressed the need to prudently utilise the right of way (ROW) of national highways and motorways through public-private partnerships (PPPs), the National Highway Authority (NHA) has decided to carry out tree plantation on the Hakla–D.I. Khan Motorway (M-14) using its own resources.

According to a tender notice issued by the NHA’s P&CA section, the Authority has invited proposals for prequalification of contractors for “tree plantation with two years of maintenance” along the M-14 motorway from Hakla (M-1) to D.I. Khan, covering 45 long stretches on both the north and south bounds, including interchanges.

Abdul Aleem Khan on many occasions has said that the Right of Way of the motorway would be used for commercial farming through allotment of land to private sector however his vision could not be translated into reality.

Interestingly, the decision to undertake plantation through direct contracting, instead of mobilizing corporate partnerships or sponsorships, diverges from the policy emphasis on leveraging private investment for the sustainable management of the ROW. Officials familiar with the matter said that while the initiative aims to enhance the motorway’s greenery and environmental sustainability, it also reflects the Authority’s continued reliance on traditional contracting models rather than revenue-generating collaborations.

The plantation project is part of NHA’s broader efforts to beautify and maintain newly developed corridors under the Uraan Pakistan Green Initiative.