Islamabad | ReNews National Desk

The National Highway Authority (NHA), the Privatisation Commission and the Public-Private Partnership Authority (P3A) have begun evaluating private investment opportunities for four proposed motorway and expressway projects across Pakistan. The proposals include the Mansehra–Naran–Jalkhad–Chilas Motorway, a possible extension of the Murree Expressway towards Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), a 169-kilometre section of the M-10 Motorway and the proposed Guru Nanak Expressway.

The projects were discussed at a high-level meeting held in Islamabad on October 21, 2026, jointly chaired by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali. Officials examined the financial feasibility, commercial prospects and potential private sector participation in the proposed road developments. The government is considering the public-private partnership (PPP) model to reduce dependence on federal development funding. Among the projects under review is a 169-kilometre section of the M-10 Motorway proposed for development through private sector participation. However, the detailed financing arrangement and commercial structure have not been announced.

The proposed Mansehra–Naran–Jalkhad–Chilas Motorway was also discussed as a potential road connection towards Chilas and the Chinese border. The route could improve connectivity to northern Pakistan and the Karakoram Highway corridor while potentially reducing pressure on existing roads during peak tourism periods. However, construction through mountainous terrain would require extensive technical assessments. The final alignment, land acquisition requirements, construction costs and financing arrangements remain to be determined.

Another proposal involves extending the Murree Expressway towards Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Officials believe improved road connectivity could support tourism, trade and travel between the Islamabad–Rawalpindi region and adjoining areas of AJK.

No final route alignment or construction commencement date has been announced for the proposed extension.The Guru Nanak Expressway was discussed as a potential infrastructure project aimed at facilitating Sikh religious tourism. The government is examining opportunities for private investment, although no investor or construction contract has been confirmed. Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan directed NHA officials to prepare formal business plans and identify commercially viable projects suitable for private investment.

Referring to the Sialkot–Kharian Motorway (M-12), which is being developed under a PPP arrangement, the minister said the government wanted to strengthen NHA's financial independence and reduce its reliance on the federal Public Sector Development Programme. He outlined a vision to transform NHA into a financially self-sustaining entity valued between Rs 500 billion and Rs 1 trillion. Adviser to the Prime Minister Muhammad Ali assured support from the Privatisation Commission and P3A in evaluating the proposed infrastructure investments and facilitating private sector participation. The meeting agreed to complete preliminary technical work and hold a follow-up session within one week to review progress.However, the four projects remain under preliminary technical and financial evaluation. No final investment agreements, construction contracts, toll rates, project costs or completion dates have been announced.