The federal government has approved the Murree Expressway extension by 70 kilometres to Muzaffarabad in a move aimed at improving regional connectivity and providing safer, faster travel between Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Pakistan’s national motorway network. The decision was made during a National Highways Authority (NHA) meeting chaired by Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan.
According to the Ministry of Communications, the new extension will link Muzaffarabad directly with the Murree Expressway (N-75), making travel more efficient for residents, tourists and commercial transport. Officials believe the project will strengthen economic activity while improving access to the region.
The Murree Expressway extension was announced during a meeting reviewing the NHA’s financial performance and infrastructure priorities for the current fiscal year. Abdul Aleem Khan said the project would usher in a new era of modern and safe transportation for the people of AJK, who deserve high-quality motorway facilities similar to those available in other parts of Pakistan.
The minister directed the NHA to prioritise the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects before launching new ones. He instructed the authority to focus on completing 25 priority schemes during the current fiscal year to ensure better utilisation of financial and administrative resources.
Among the major projects highlighted during the meeting was the completion of the M-8 Motorway. Khan also ordered officials to accelerate work on the Hoshab–Awaran Road and the Awaran–Nal section, describing these routes as essential for expanding trade with Iran and promoting tourism in southwestern Pakistan.
The communications minister also outlined plans to improve the NHA’s financial sustainability. He said the authority would be restructured to generate up to Rs400 billion annually through its own revenue streams, reducing dependence on federal government funding over the long term.
The Murree Expressway extension is expected to enhance road safety, reduce travel time and improve regional integration between AJK and the rest of Pakistan. The project also comes as authorities continue efforts to upgrade transport infrastructure following several serious accidents on the existing route.
