In a significant step toward strengthening Pakistan’s transportation infrastructure, the government has approved a 70-kilometre extension of the Murree Expressway to Muzaffarabad, a landmark project expected to improve connectivity between Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Pakistan’s national motorway network.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting of the National Highway Authority (NHA) chaired by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, where officials reviewed key infrastructure projects and outlined priorities for the country’s expanding road network.
According to officials, the expressway extension will provide a faster, safer, and more efficient travel corridor for residents, tourists, and commercial transport, significantly reducing travel time while improving road safety and accessibility to one of Pakistan’s most scenic regions.
The project is expected to strengthen links between Azad Jammu and Kashmir and major cities across Pakistan, facilitating smoother movement of people and goods while supporting economic activity in the region.
During the meeting, Abdul Aleem Khan directed the National Highway Authority to give top priority to completing ongoing development projects before initiating new schemes. He emphasized the importance of ensuring quality construction, timely completion, and efficient utilization of public resources to maximize the benefits of national infrastructure investments.
Officials believe the extension of the Murree Expressway will play a vital role in promoting tourism by making travel to Muzaffarabad and other picturesque destinations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir more convenient for domestic and international visitors. Improved road infrastructure is also expected to encourage private investment, boost local businesses, and create new employment opportunities linked to tourism and regional development.
The project aligns with the government’s broader vision of modernizing Pakistan’s highway network, enhancing regional integration, and improving connectivity between remote areas and major economic centers. Experts say high-quality road infrastructure is essential for sustainable economic growth, trade expansion, and tourism development.
Once completed, the Murree Expressway extension is expected to become a strategic transport corridor that will not only improve mobility but also strengthen socio-economic ties between Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country, opening new opportunities for commerce, tourism, and regional prosperity.
