A long-awaited breakthrough has been achieved as the Asian Development Bank and National Highway Authority reach an agreement for the construction of the M-6 Motorway.
The project is being described as a major step toward strengthening Pakistan’s transport and trade infrastructure.
The agreement between the Asian Development Bank and National Highway Authority marks a significant milestone for the long-delayed M-6 Motorway project.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the development and congratulated the nation on the progress.
He said the project, which had remained stalled for nearly 30 years, has now been initiated within two years and is expected to be completed in the next two years.
‘Missing link’ in Karachi-Sukkur corridor
Abdul Aleem Khan described the M-6 Motorway as the “missing link” in the Karachi-Sukkur corridor.
He emphasized that the project is essential for Pakistan’s economic growth and will significantly improve connectivity.
Once completed, the motorway will enable smoother traffic flow from Karachi Port to Peshawar and Gilgit through the national motorway network.
The minister highlighted that the Karachi-Sukkur Motorway is a critical component of domestic trade and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor framework.
Improved connectivity is expected to boost logistics efficiency and support economic activity across regions.
Project details and infrastructure plans
The M-6 Motorway will span 306 kilometers and feature six lanes.
According to officials, the project will include:
- 15 interchanges
- 10 service areas
Two major sections, from Hyderabad to Nawabshah, will be developed under a public-private partnership model.
Funding for the project has been secured through multiple international partners.
The Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund have already approved financing for three sections of the motorway.
The minister added that private sector involvement will enhance transparency and open new avenues for investment.
