Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to expedite work on launching air ambulance services using two helicopters to ensure rapid response and medical assistance in road emergencies.

Chairing a high-level meeting, the minister said the initiative will mark a new era in the country’s road safety and rescue system. He emphasized that helipads will be established within major hospitals to facilitate emergency landings, adding that “an air ambulance service is the need of the hour to save precious lives on highways and motorways.”

At present, Pakistan does not have any dedicated air ambulance service for highways or motorways. While military and provincial rescue agencies have occasionally used helicopters for emergencies, this will be the first structured, civilian air rescue system linked directly to the national road network.

Highlighting the importance of swift response to road accidents, Abdul Aleem Khan stated that NHA officers must stay committed to their national duty of protecting citizens’ lives. “We want to see NHA evolve into a top-class, autonomous, and service-oriented institution,” he remarked.

The minister further noted that the recent increase in NHA’s revenue should be spent on public safety and rescue infrastructure rather than routine expenditures. “Funds should be utilized for purposeful projects that directly benefit the people,” he said.

He reaffirmed that the ministry’s top priority is to make Pakistan’s highways safe, beautiful, and comfortable for all commuters. The federal secretary for communications and the NHA chairman briefed the minister on various ongoing and upcoming development projects during the meeting.