Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Syed Mehdi Shah met Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Thursday to discuss infrastructure development and improvement of road networks in the region.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the proposed motorway project linking Mansehra, Naran, Kaghan and Babusar Top to Jalkhand.

Abdul Aleem Khan said the project would serve as an alternative to the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and reduce travel distance by around 100 kilometres. He said the motorway would facilitate easier travel and promote tourism in the region.

He added that the government is prioritizing road development in tourist areas to attract more visitors and create employment and business opportunities for local communities.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring uniform development across the country, with a focus on building quality road infrastructure, particularly in northern areas.

Governor Syed Mehdi Shah expressed satisfaction with the performance of the National Highway Authority (NHA) and appreciated the federal government’s support for the development of Gilgit-Baltistan.