NHA, Privatization Commission explore PPP route for major motorway projects

Pakistan is considering private-sector partnerships for four major motorway and expressway schemes, Mettis Global reported on October 22. Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said the plan is intended to help the National Highway Authority become financially self-sufficient, with a target valuation of Rs 500bn to Rs 1tr and less reliance on federal development funding.

The proposals cover a 169-kilometre stretch of the M-10, the Mansehra, Naran, Jhal Khand, Chilas route, Guru Nanak Expressway and an extension of Murree Expressway to Azad Jammu and Kashmir. At a meeting with the Privatization Commission and its Public Private Partnership Authority, officials assessed commercial feasibility and agreed to complete initial technical work before reconvening in a week. Khan cited the M-12 Sialkot, Kharian Motorway, already being developed through a PPP, as an example; he also linked the Guru Nanak and Murree routes with tourism and trade opportunities.