Modern Highway
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired multiple high-level meetings on Thursday, reviewing progress on several key national initiatives, including polio eradication, economic digitalization, infrastructure development, and urban beautification projects. These meetings underscored the government’s commitment to delivering tangible results across various sectors of public life.
One of the primary focuses of the day was the upcoming national polio eradication campaign, scheduled to begin on April 21. PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of vaccinating every child under the age of five, calling it a top national priority.
He praised the dedication of frontline health workers, saying, “Our hardworking polio workers are the pride of the nation. They are playing a leading role in making Pakistan polio-free.” The Prime Minister also directed authorities to ensure 100% coverage in routine immunization during the campaign.
In a separate session, PM Shehbaz reviewed Pakistan’s economic digitalization strategy. He announced that the government has committed to fully transitioning the country’s economy to a digital framework. The aim is to eliminate informal and unequal economic practices and build a more transparent, efficient financial system.
The Prime Minister emphasized that these reforms must be implemented institutionally to ensure they are sustainable and effective in the long run. A dynamic working group is to be established immediately to fast-track this transition, and he praised the recent success of the digital wallet system used for distributing the Ramadan relief package.
Urban and infrastructure development also featured prominently. Reviewing Islamabad’s progress, PM Shehbaz appreciated the improved traffic flow and the vibrant floral displays in the capital.
He commended Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for the rapid progress of development projects, even dubbing him “Pakistan Speed” for his efforts. He praised the ongoing expansion and renovation projects in Islamabad and promised continued support for urban improvement.
Turning to Balochistan, PM Shehbaz announced a major infrastructure project: a new modern highway to replace the dangerous “bloody track” that has claimed approximately 2,000 lives.
The new motorway-grade road, with a projected cost of Rs300 billion, is expected to be completed in two years. Addressing critics, the Prime Minister said, “Criticism of this project is narrow-minded. Development in every province is the development of Pakistan.”
He further noted the construction of a major highway in Karachi and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nationwide development, asserting that both political and military leadership share a vision of progress for the entire country.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi thanked PM Shehbaz for initiating the Balochistan highway project and vowed to have it inaugurated within 35 days. He also proposed a dedicated traffic cadre for Islamabad Police and announced plans to introduce regulated parking charges at several locations in the city.
Wrapping up the day’s meetings, PM Shehbaz voiced optimism about the economic outlook, referencing recent assessments by Fitch that declared Pakistan’s economy stable. “We are on a journey of growth and prosperity,” he said, reaffirming his determination to complete all national development projects with full vigor.
