ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Friday chaired a high-level meeting of the National Highway Authority to assess progress on major infrastructure projects and issue key directives aimed at strengthening performance, financial discipline and public service standards. The meeting emphasised accountability and the implementation of an external audit system to improve operational transparency and efficiency across the authority.
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During the session held at NHA headquarters, the minister voiced concern over existing motorway rest area facilities and directed a coordinated strategy to upgrade all Motorway rest areas and support infrastructure to meet international standards. He stressed that citizens must have access to high quality washrooms, ablution facilities and essential services along motorways and national highways.
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Abdul Aleem Khan also highlighted the need for an integrated audit mechanism to enhance financial discipline within the National Highway Authority. Officials were instructed to adopt uniform performance benchmarks and ensure that resources allocated for road repair and new construction are efficiently utilised to benefit long-term national connectivity goals.
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The minister underlined that patchwork repairs should be replaced with comprehensive construction works that provide longer lasting value. He noted that NHA must transform into a self-sustaining and professionally managed organisation capable of delivering timely and cost-effective infrastructure across the country.
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The meeting reviewed progress on key highway and motorway projects, including upgrades to rest areas, improved roadside amenities and safety initiatives. Abdul Aleem Khan reiterated that eliminating encroachments on NHA land and focusing attention on priority development schemes will remain government priorities.
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Senior officials including the secretary for communications and the NHA chairman briefed the federal minister on steps taken to meet earlier directives, including revenue enhancement measures and reforms intended to strengthen project execution. The minister directed timely implementation of all NHA work plans to ensure sustained improvement in national road infrastructure.