Islamabad, Dec 18: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to inaugurate the construction of the Mansehra-Muzaffarabad Motorway, a major infrastructure project valued at Rs. 45 billion. Initially approved by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 2016, the project faced delays under the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government, which put it on hold due to financial constraints. However, the current government has revived the initiative under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.
MNA Sardar Mohammad Yusuf explained that the project has received approval from a China-Pakistan consortium and that Rs. 45 billion has been allocated for its development. The motorway, which will span 27 kilometers, aims to stimulate regional development, improve tourism in both Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and shorten travel times between these areas.
The construction will feature two tunnels, measuring a total of 4.3 kilometers, along with 11 bridges totaling about 3 kilometers in length. These components are designed to enhance connectivity between KPK and AJK, making transportation more efficient and accessible.
Sardar Yusuf emphasized that the project is in line with the government’s commitment to development and prosperity, underscoring the importance of such large-scale infrastructure projects in the growth of the nation. The motorway will serve as a key economic and strategic link between the regions, with future expansion plans to connect even more areas within AJK.
