Modern communication system plays an important role in the economic and social development of any country. Keeping in view the importance of the communication system, the present government of Pakistan has given utmost priority to this sector, to provide a coherent communication system to the social and economic fabric of the country.
Pakistan's Geo-strategic location gives it an ideal location in the region. A coherent network of the roads will not only help to bring together the commercial centers of the country but also create links with Trans-Border commercial centers including China and ECO countries.
It will not only bring inter provincial harmony within the country but also an increased trade within country as well as enhanced trade opportunities with the neighbouring countries. Pakistan can utilise this strategic location only if the communication sector of the country is up to the mark and is developed according to the international standards.
National Highway Authority controls 11900 km of road network, motorways, express ways and strategic roads in Pakistan. Though this network is comprises of only 4% of the road network of Pakistan, it caters to 80% of the commercial traffic across the country.
The expanding economy of the country has over burdened the current road system and there is a need for more high speed, reliable and safe road network. National Highway Authority is working on a comprehensive plan to gradually develop the road networks in the country to achieve its objective of high speed, reliable and safe road network n the country.
The future development of any country in this globe would depend on its access to the markets. The present government realises this fact and has given top priority to the development of the infrastructure. Keeping in view the futuristic economic needs of the country, NHA is working on an action plan to develop National Trade Corridor (NTC) within country.
It will not only facilitate the national, regional and international trade but also create a lot of job opportunities in the country and will usher our country into a new era of economic and financial activity. NTC envisages international standard road network from the roof of the world, Khunjrab Pass to ports of Karachi and Gawader and Border with Iran.
Government has earmarked Rs 312 billion for the NTC project and the construction work on the highways, express ways and motorways is underway. Some of these projects have been completed while the others will be completed in next few years. Present government, despite financial constraints have initiated some projects while some major projects have been completed. Details of some of the completed projects are as under:
Khanuzai-Muslim Bagh-Qila Saifullah (N-50) was inaugurated by President of Pakistan Mr Asif Ali Zardari on 25-2-2010 Lukpass Tunnel was inaugurated by President of Pakistan Mr Asif Ali Zardari on 25th February, 2010 Baba Fareed Bridge was inaugurated by President of Pakistan Mr Asif Ali Zardari on 20th January, 2010 Hab-Athal Highway, was inaugurated by President of Pakistan Mr Asif Ali Zardari on 1st January, 2010 Larkana Package including Larkana-Khairpur Bridge, Larkana-Moejodero Road, Sukkur-Shikarpur Road, Sehwan-Ratodero Road was inaugurated by President of Pakistan Mr Asif Ali Zardari on 29-12-2009 Sher Shah Bridge, Lahore on River Chenab was inaugurated by Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on 4th September, 2008 ·Gawader-Paleri-Jeewani Section was inaugurated by Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on 29th December, 2009·Trauma center Kalar Kahar on motorway (M-2) was inaugurated by Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan, Federal Minister for Communication 28th April, 2009 North Bound section of Lyari Express way at Karachi was inaugurated by Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan, Federal Minister for Communication on 11th July, 2009 Khanqah Dogran Interchange on motorway (M-2) was inaugurated by Chaudhry Imtiaz Safdar Waraich Minister of State for Communication on 27th April, 2009.