ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ambitious drive to modernise its transport infrastructure received a significant boost on Wednesday as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation with the National Highway Authority on a range of strategic road and connectivity projects across the country.

The commitment emerged during a high-level meeting between Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and Konstantin Limitovskiy, Vice President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The visiting delegation also included Xiaohong Wang.

During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on ongoing and proposed projects in Pakistan’s communications and transport sectors. The talks focused on upgrading the national highway network, improving regional connectivity and identifying new opportunities for financing critical infrastructure that can accelerate economic growth and facilitate trade.

Minister Abdul Aleem Khan briefed the delegation on the government’s vision to build a safer, faster and more efficient road system linking major cities, industrial hubs and border corridors. He said Pakistan was prioritising world-class infrastructure to reduce logistics costs, attract investment and strengthen its position as a regional trade gateway.

Konstantin Limitovskiy praised Pakistan’s infrastructure agenda and conveyed the bank’s keen interest in working more closely with the National Highway Authority. He noted that AIIB sees substantial potential for partnership in projects that can deliver long-term economic and social benefits.

The delegation described the visit as highly productive and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development ambitions. The meeting is being viewed as a promising step toward unlocking fresh international financing for transformative transport projects that could reshape the country’s connectivity landscape.