Islamabad:
Pakistan has achieved a major milestone in road digitalisation, with 80% of vehicles now equipped with M-Tags, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said on Tuesday, calling it a key step towards fully digital motorways and highways.
The update was shared during a meeting between Abdul Aleem Khan and Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Tarik Ali Khan, where both sides discussed strengthening bilateral trade, infrastructure development, and investment cooperation.
The Canadian envoy expressed Ottawa’s interest in expanding trade ties and said Canadian companies are keen to invest in Pakistan, particularly in livestock, agriculture, and emerging sectors.
Briefing the high commissioner, the communications minister highlighted major motorway projects, including the Karachi–Hyderabad–Sukkur Motorway, noting that improved connectivity with Karachi Port offers strong investment potential. He said the Sialkot–Islamabad Motorway will cut travel distance by around 100 kilometres, while the six-lane Kharian–Rawalpindi Motorway is also being opened to investors.
Aleem Khan also pointed to significant revenue growth at the National Highway Authority (NHA), attributing it to reforms and digital toll collection through M-Tags.
The meeting concluded on a cordial note, with the minister terming the appointment of a Pakistani-origin Canadian high commissioner a matter of pride and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to deeper economic and infrastructure cooperation.
