ISLAMABAD: The National Highway Authority (NHA), Privatisation Commission and Public-Private Partnership Authority (P3A) discussed on Wednesday the potential of developing four major road projects under the PPP model.

The consultative meeting was co-chaired by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali. During the session, participants evaluated the financial feasibility and commercial prospects of various highway networks for prospective private sector engagement.

Among the proposals discussed, the 169-kilometre section of the M-10 Motorway was considered for execution under the Public-Private Partnership framework. The meeting also explored constructing the Mansehra-Naran-Jhal Khand-Chilas Motorway to link the route to the Chinese border.

Mr Khan pointed out that the proposed Guru Nanak Expressway could play a vital role in facili-tating religious tourism for the Sikh community, making it a strong candidate for development under the PPP model.

He also highlighted that expanding the Murree Expressway to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) could significantly boost tourism and trade across the region. To further assess these options, the minister directed NHA officials to prepare a formal business plan and bring forward marketready projects.

Citing the ongoing construction of the SialkotKharian Motorway (M-12) under a public-private partnership as an existing model, the minister noted that NHA`s growing revenues reflect progress toward financial self-reliance.

He expressed his vision to transform NHA into a financially autonomous entity valued between Rs500bn and Rs1,000bn, thereby lessening reliance on federal PSDP funding.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali assured full support and facilitation from the Privatisation Commission and P3A in evaluating these initiatives.