NATIONAL NEWS
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has encouraged China’s Gezhouba Group to take part in major highway and motorway projects, including an alternative route to the Karakoram Highway, as part of efforts to boost regional trade and connectivity.
A delegation led by Gezhouba Chairman Liu Hualiang held detailed discussions with Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan in Islamabad, where both sides explored new avenues for infrastructure investment.
During the meeting, the minister invited the Chinese company to consider investing in the Mansehra–Naran–Kaghan–Babusar corridor, a strategically important route that links northern Pakistan to areas close to the Chinese border. He noted that the road could serve as a parallel option to the Karakoram Highway and holds strong potential for both commercial transport and tourism.
The Gezhouba Group also conveyed interest in contributing to the development of other major road networks, particularly the M6 and M9 motorways. Aleem Khan encouraged the company to help expedite pending sections of the M6 and M10, stressing that the Karachi–Sukkur Motorway would eventually connect directly to the seaport, forming one of the region’s most critical trade corridors.
Highlighting Pakistan’s expanding infrastructure requirements, the minister pointed to improved performance indicators within the National Highway Authority. He stated that the authority’s annual revenue had risen from Rs66 billion to Rs109 billion over the past year—an increase he said reflected stronger prospects for future investment.
Aleem Khan described the outreach to Chinese investors as part of a broader push to deepen economic and strategic ties with Beijing, which he called Pakistan’s “closest and most trusted partner.” He noted his frequent visits to China over the past year as evidence of growing engagement between the two allies.
He remarked that Pakistan’s longstanding friendship with China has become deeply rooted in the country’s social and educational landscape, adding that both nations hold significant regional importance.
Chairman Liu reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development goals. He said the Gezhouba Group is prepared to expand its involvement in infrastructure and communications projects, emphasizing that investment in Pakistan’s motorway network would be mutually beneficial—advancing Chinese business interests while aligning with Pakistan’s long-term development plans.
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