PM Unveils Plan for Modern Highway to Replace Balochistan’s ‘Deadly Route’

LAHORE (RNN TV) — Shehbaz says govt has decided to completely shift country’s economy to digital system

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired several high-level meetings on Thursday, reviewing progress on national initiatives ranging from polio eradication and economic digitalization to infrastructure development and urban beautification projects across Pakistan. 

Polio Campaign Set for April 21
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the launch of a nationwide polio vaccination campaign starting April 21, urging full participation to ensure every child under five is vaccinated. In a detailed briefing on Pakistan’s anti-polio efforts, he emphasized the goal of a polio-free nation and called for 100% routine immunization coverage.

Applauding the dedication of frontline workers, the PM said, “Our hardworking polio workers are the pride of the nation, leading the charge to eliminate polio from Pakistan.”

Full Digital Shift for Pakistan’s Economy
In a separate meeting, PM Shehbaz reviewed the government’s roadmap for transitioning to a fully digital economy. Calling digital reforms essential for eliminating the informal and unequal economy, he tasked ministries and departments with taking immediate action.

“To make reforms effective and long-lasting, they must be institutional and coordinated,” the PM said. He ordered the formation of a dynamic working group to implement the digital plan and praised the successful use of digital wallets during the Ramadan relief package.

Infrastructure Boost and Islamabad Development
Reviewing infrastructure progress in Islamabad and Balochistan, PM Shehbaz commended ongoing beautification and traffic improvement efforts in the capital. He praised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for the rapid pace of development, dubbing him “Pakistan Speed.”

“The major renovation and expansion projects in Islamabad are impressive. The journey of development will continue with full force,” the PM said.

Balochistan’s ‘Bloody Track’ to Be Replaced
The prime minister also announced a major infrastructure project in Balochistan — a Rs300 billion, motorway-quality highway to replace the “bloody track” that has claimed nearly 2,000 lives. The project is expected to be completed in two years.

Calling the initiative a vital step toward national unity, PM Shehbaz said, “Criticism of this project is narrow-minded. Pakistan is made of four provinces, and progress in any one province benefits the entire country.”

He also pointed to recent developments in Karachi and pledged that motorway connectivity would continue expanding across the country. “Our political and military leadership shares a common vision — development for all of Pakistan,” he added.

Naqvi Vows Rapid Execution
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi thanked the PM for launching the Balochistan highway project and pledged swift progress. “I will ensure the prime minister inaugurates this project within 35 days,” he said.

Naqvi also suggested creating a dedicated traffic cadre for Islamabad Police and shared plans to implement parking charges at key locations in the city to help manage traffic.

Economic Optimism
Citing a recent credit rating update by Fitch, PM Shehbaz noted that Pakistan’s economy has been declared stable. “We are back on the path of growth and prosperity,” he said, reaffirming his government’s commitment to completing national development projects with full momentum.

Source: Web Desk