HUB-Karachi: October 24 – Federal Ministers Abdul Aleem Khan and Jam Kamal Khan inaugurated the newly constructed bridge over the Hub River on N-25, marking a significant development at the confluence of Balochistan and Sindh provinces. Completed in two years for PKR 1,180 million, this bridge aims to enhance connectivity and boost economic activity in the region.
During the inauguration ceremony, Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized the importance of business activities for regional development. He stated, “To ensure the maximum development of Balochistan, we must collect revenue from other provinces as well.” He noted that Balochistan houses the largest network of the National Highway Authority (NHA) in the country, stretching over 4,500 km, yet collects minimal toll tax.
Aleem Khan highlighted the bridge’s design as insufficient and announced plans for a parallel bridge to alleviate traffic pressure. He also approved the conversion of N-25 from Karachi to Quetta into a two-way highway to reduce accidents caused by heavy traffic.
In his address, the minister revealed plans to construct additional roads and bridges across Balochistan, including a new bridge at “Pinjara,” set to open soon. He expressed a desire to develop a six-lane Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway through a Public-Private Partnership, alongside the construction of a major Northern Bypass.
Jam Kamal Khan, the Federal Minister for Commerce, praised the timely completion of the Hub Bridge and expressed gratitude towards Abdul Aleem Khan for his contributions.
In a follow-up meeting in Karachi, Abdul Aleem Khan met with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to discuss highway and communication sector issues in the province. He emphasized that financial stability in government institutions should be a priority and directed NHA officials to accelerate work on 43 ongoing projects in Sindh.
The ministers also visited the residence of MNA Rana Ansar to offer condolences for the sudden passing of her son, Shahzeb Naqvi, expressing their sorrow and support for the bereaved family.
