The Gilgit-Baltistan motorway project moved into focus after a meeting between Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Thursday. Officials discussed infrastructure upgrades and road network improvements to boost connectivity in the mountainous region.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed a proposed motorway linking Mansehra, Naran, Kaghan and Babusar Top to Jalkhand. According to the minister, the route would act as an alternative to the Karakoram Highway and reduce travel distance by around 100 kilometres.
Abdul Aleem Khan said the proposed motorway would make travel easier for residents and visitors alike. He added that the project could also strengthen tourism by improving access to key northern destinations. The minister said the government is prioritising road development in tourist areas. In his view, better roads can attract more visitors while also creating employment and business opportunities for local communities.
The proposed route is being seen as an alternative to the Karakoram Highway, one of Pakistan’s most important northern road links. By offering a shorter path, the motorway could ease travel and improve regional mobility.
The federal government also repeated its broader commitment to uniform development across the country. Officials said quality road infrastructure, especially in northern areas, remains a priority.
Governor Syed Mehdi Shah expressed satisfaction with the National Highway Authority’s performance during the discussion. He also appreciated the federal government’s support for development work in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The meeting highlighted how road infrastructure remains central to economic planning in the north. If approved and developed, the motorway could become a key project for travel, tourism and local business activity in the region.
