A major infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity in northern Pakistan was discussed on Thursday as Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Syed Mehdi Shah met Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan.

The two sides reviewed plans for a proposed motorway linking Mansehra, Naran, Kaghan, Babusar Top and Jalkhand, designed to ease travel and strengthen regional road networks.

Abdul Aleem Khan said the project would serve as an alternative route to the Karakoram Highway (KKH), cutting travel distance by around 100 kilometres. He added that the new motorway would significantly improve accessibility and support tourism growth in the region.

He further noted that the government is prioritising road infrastructure in tourist destinations to attract more visitors and generate economic opportunities for local communities through jobs and business activity.

Reaffirming the government’s focus on balanced development, the minister said efforts are underway to upgrade road networks across the country, with special emphasis on northern areas.

Governor Mehdi Shah welcomed the progress on the project and expressed satisfaction with the performance of the National Highway Authority (NHA), appreciating federal support for development initiatives in Gilgit-Baltistan.