Ceremony Held at Motorway Police Headquarters; Federal Minister for Communications and IG Motorway Police Pay Tribute at Martyrs’ Memorial, Announce Major Highway Projects and Safety Measures for Police Personnel
Islamabad (Asif Malik):
A solemn ceremony was held at the National Highway and Motorway Police Headquarters on the occasion of Police Martyrs’ Day, with Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan attending as the chief guest. Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and Inspector General Motorway Police Sultan Ahmed Chaudhry laid floral wreaths at the Martyrs’ Memorial, offered prayers, and paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs.
Addressing the ceremony, Abdul Aleem Khan said that August 4 holds great significance in the national history and that the supreme sacrifice of Shaheed Safwat Ghayyur serves as a guiding example for all security forces. He stated that the sacrifices of the 59 martyrs of Motorway Police, along with all martyrs across the country, are unforgettable and that the nation will always remember their services.
The Federal Minister said that modern police stations near toll plazas, secure parking facilities, and ambulance services are being established to ensure better protection and facilities for patrolling officers performing their duties.
He revealed that the revenue of the National Highway Authority (NHA) has increased from Rs. 64 billion in 2024 to over Rs. 127 billion in 2026, enabling the institution to move toward financial self-sufficiency and undertake highway development projects through its own resources without relying on external assistance.
Abdul Aleem Khan said that historic expansion of motorways is underway from Gilgit-Baltistan to Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab. He stated that the Murree Expressway (IMDC) is being extended up to Muzaffarabad, which will provide modern travel facilities to the people of Azad Kashmir. He added that the MNJC Motorway would serve as an excellent alternative to the Karakoram Highway and further strengthen strategic connectivity with China.
He further said that completion of the Sialkot-Kharian-Rawalpindi Highway would reduce travel distance between Islamabad and Lahore by approximately 100 kilometers and save around one hour of travel time. He noted that the M-10 Motorway and Lyari Expressway are improving commercial transportation links with Karachi Port.
The Federal Minister announced that practical work on the M-6 Motorway would begin soon, while development work on the Guru Nanak Expressway, connecting Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib, is also underway. He said the project would promote religious tourism and interfaith harmony.
He stated that development work on tourist highways in Gilgit is continuing, the N-25 Highway is expected to be completed by next year, and motorway projects in Balochistan, including the M-8, would further strengthen border trade with Iran and regional connectivity.
Abdul Aleem Khan expressed confidence that Motorway Police, due to its professionalism, discipline, and commitment to public service, remains an exemplary force for the entire region.
Speaking on the occasion, IG Motorway Police Sultan Ahmed Chaudhry also paid tribute to the sacrifices of martyrs and assured that the families of martyrs would never be left alone. He said Motorway Police would continue to stand with them in every difficult time.