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Connectivity drives value. At Chakor, our Transport section covers the road networks, transit corridors, logistics infrastructure, and mobility projects linking Pakistan’s cities, towns, and investment zones.

From motorways and ring roads to freight routes and urban connectors, understand how transport infrastructure shapes real estate demand, economic activity, and the development potential of any location.

CategoriesNews Construction Developments Transport Urban Developments & Planning

Govt Sets December 15 Deadline for Six-Laning of M-4 Motorway Section

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has set December 15 as the deadline for completing the expansion of a key section of the M-4 Motorway. Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has asked the National Highway Authority (NHA) to accelerate work on its ongoing infrastructure projects.

Chairing a review meeting on development schemes in the NHA Central Region, the minister directed officials to widen the Pindi Bhattian–Faisalabad section of the motorway from four lanes to six within the stipulated timeframe.

Officials briefed the meeting on the progress of various motorway and national highway projects. The minister then instructed the authority to adhere strictly to its prescribed targets and to speed up work on schemes currently underway.

Reviewing other projects, Mr Khan assessed the status of the Lodhran–Multan Expressway. He asked the NHA to expedite preliminary work on the Lala Musa Bypass on the N-5 National Highway. He also said that rehabilitation work on the Baba Farid Bridge over the River Sutlej would begin shortly.

The meeting also discussed projects to connect the Layyah and Taunsa bridges with adjoining highways in South Punjab. Regarding the Phool Nagar Interchange on the N-5, the minister stressed that construction must be of high quality. He also asked that all new infrastructure projects incorporate modern requirements.

Outlining his expectations for future highways, the minister called for modern lighting, quality infrastructure and properly developed rest areas. He further directed that the Islamabad–Murree Expressway serve as a model for planning and delivering new projects.

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Extends Deadline for Chitral-Shandur Highway
CategoriesNews Construction Developments Transport

Government Extends Deadline for Chitral-Shandur Highway to December 2026

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal government has fixed December 2026 as the new target date for completing all four construction packages of the Chitral-Booni-Mastuj-Shandur Road, a strategically vital 153-kilometre highway connecting the remote northern district of Chitral to the Shandur Pass region.

According to official documents, the National Highway Authority requires Rs4.20 billion in the 2026-27 fiscal year to stay on track for the revised deadline. Authorities have already disbursed Rs6.59 billion on the project to date, underscoring the scale of investment required for a road that traverses some of the most rugged terrain in the country.

The highway, which passes through Pret, Booni, Mastuj and Shaidas before reaching Shandur, was formally designated National Highway N-140 following its federalisation in May 2020, bringing it under direct federal oversight and funding.

Construction has been divided into four separate packages, and progress across them remains uneven. The first segment, running from Chitral to Pret, leads the pack with 47.54 percent completion.

The second package, from Pret to Booni, has reached 34.77 percent, while the third stretch, connecting Booni to Shaidas, stands at 38.16 percent. The fourth and final package, from Shaidas to Shandur, trails the others at 29.78 percent progress.

Notably, the project was originally scheduled for completion between 2023 and 2024. The repeated delays reflect broader challenges facing infrastructure development in Pakistan’s mountainous north, including difficult terrain, funding constraints and logistical hurdles.

Once completed, the road is expected to significantly improve connectivity for Chitral’s residents, boost regional trade and tourism, and provide a more reliable link to the high-altitude Shandur Pass, home to the world’s highest polo ground.

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Petrol Drops by Rs74
CategoriesNews Economy Transport

Govt Slashes Fuel Prices as Petrol Drops by Rs74, Diesel by Rs67

ISLAMABAD: In a major relief measure for consumers, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced a substantial cut in fuel prices, reducing petrol by Rs74 per litre and high-speed diesel by Rs67 per litre, as the government moves to pass on the benefits of falling international oil prices to the public.

According to the announcement, the formal notification confirming the new rates had not yet been issued at the time of reporting. Prices have been adjusted weekly since the outbreak of the US-Iran war, reflecting the volatility conflict has introduced into global energy markets.

Once the revision takes effect, petrol will be priced at Rs299.78 per litre, while diesel will be priced at Rs311.78 per litre, sharply lower than the previous rates of Rs373.78 and Rs378.78, respectively.

Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the Prime Minister stated that the government was responding to an improved regional economic climate alongside the broader decline in oil prices, describing the move as the fulfilment of a commitment previously made to the nation.

The announcement follows remarks PM Shehbaz delivered earlier in the day in the National Assembly, where he had pledged a “significant” reduction in fuel prices, attributing the shift to de-escalating tensions in the Middle East following the recently brokered US-Iran peace agreement and the resumption of energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

In his official statement, the Prime Minister also acknowledged the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens during the period of elevated fuel costs, commended the public for its patience and resilience, and expressed appreciation for their continued support for the government throughout the challenging period.

The development is being viewed as a direct economic dividend of the broader regional stabilisation following the recent ceasefire arrangement between Washington and Tehran, which has restored confidence in global oil supply chains.

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Pakistan, ADB Set to Transform Railways
CategoriesNews Developments Economy Transport Urban Developments & Planning

Pakistan, ADB Set to Transform Railways with $1.2 Billion ML-1 Deal

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have agreed to ensure the timely completion of documentation and procedural formalities to accelerate the implementation of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, with a focus on the Karachi-Rohri section.

A high-level meeting chaired by Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema reviewed the project’s implementation framework and deliberated on measures to fast-track progress. Secretary Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim and Secretary Railways Mazhar Ali Shah briefed the participants on ongoing preparatory arrangements, while ADB Country Director Emma Fan and senior Bank officials also took part in the discussions.

The ADB is expected to approve a financing facility of approximately USD 1.2 billion to rehabilitate the Karachi-Rohri section of Pakistan Railways’ ML-1 project. The Bank is also planning to engage other development partners as co-financiers for the remaining corridor stretching from Karachi to Peshawar.

Minister Cheema directed the Ministry of Railways to accelerate the documentation process in close coordination with the ADB and the Economic Affairs Division. He underscored that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is keen to hold the groundbreaking ceremony for the ML-1 project this year, and that securing ADB funding in the upcoming fiscal year remains a key government priority.

The Minister further instructed the Ministry of Railways to work in tandem with the Planning Division to ensure readiness of the PC-1 and all other mandatory project requirements, emphasising efficiency and transparency throughout the process.

ADB Country Director Emma Fan reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in expediting documentation and related formalities. She confirmed that the ADB would ensure the timely hiring of the PRF consultant and would endeavour to minimise the project review timeline.

ML-1 is regarded as a strategically significant initiative that will substantially improve freight movement and strengthen railway services nationwide.

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CategoriesNews Developments Economy Investment Trade Transport Urban Developments & Planning

Pakistan Signs Key Infrastructure Deal with Asian Development Bank for M6 Motorway

ISLAMABAD: The National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed an agreement to build two sections of the M6 Motorway, connecting Hyderabad to Sukkur in Sindh province.

The agreement was signed by senior officials from both organizations. Under the deal, ADB will provide advisory support including feasibility studies and assistance in structuring a viable Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. The bank will also support the procurement process to attract private sector investment.

The project involves a 120-kilometre, six-lane road linking Hyderabad to Sukkur. It will serve as the final missing segment in the Karachi–Peshawar motorway corridor.

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the signing, calling it a major milestone for the country’s infrastructure development. He noted that a project stalled for over 30 years was now moving ahead within just two years. The minister credited focused government effort and multilateral engagement for the breakthrough.

Khan stressed that the M6 is the missing link in Pakistan’s north-south road network. Once completed, it will allow traffic to move uninterrupted from Karachi Port to Peshawar and Gilgit. This, he said, will significantly improve trade logistics and passenger connectivity across the country.

The full project stretches 306 kilometres and will be six lanes wide. It will include 15 interchanges and 10 service areas for travelers and commercial transporters. Modern tolling and safety systems will also be installed along the route. Construction is scheduled to begin in May under the PPP model, with financing already secured from the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund.

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Petroleum Prices by Rs135
CategoriesNews Economy Transport

Pakistan Slashes Petroleum Prices by Rs135 as Global Oil Markets Stabilise

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a significant reduction of Rs135 per litre in high-speed diesel (HSD) and Rs12 per litre in petrol prices on Friday, effective April 11, 2026, extending much-needed financial relief to millions of consumers grappling with sustained inflationary pressures.

Following the announcement, the Petroleum Division officially notified the revised rates, bringing HSD down from Rs520.35 to Rs385.54 per litre and petrol from Rs378.41 to Rs366.58 per litre, the steepest single-day diesel price cut in recent memory.

The Prime Minister attributed the decision to a decline in global oil prices, describing it as his “moral and political responsibility” to pass the full benefit on to the public. Notably, he disclosed that he had been advised to retain a portion of the savings to offset the Rs129 billion subsidy extended by the government in preceding weeks, a proposal he firmly rejected.

The announcement’s timing is particularly significant for Pakistan’s agricultural sector, as it coincides with the ongoing wheat harvest season. A reduction in diesel prices is expected to lower farm mechanisation costs directly, helping safeguard both farmer incomes and food affordability for the general public. Broader economic benefits are also anticipated, with logistics and public transport costs likely to ease in the near term.

The calming of global energy markets follows a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States, brokered with Pakistan’s diplomatic involvement. The truce has temporarily eased concerns over supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global oil trade.

It is worth noting that existing levies remain intact, including a petroleum levy of Rs80.61 per litre on petrol and a Rs2.50 per litre climate support levy across multiple fuel types. The government has not indicated how long the revised prices will remain in effect.

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Public Transport Free
CategoriesNews Economy Transport

Pakistan Cuts Petrol Levy by Rs80, Makes Public Transport Free for One Month

ISLAMABAD: On Friday, Shehbaz Sharif announced an immediate reduction of Rs80 per litre in the petroleum levy, lowering the retail price of petrol to Rs378 per litre. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi declared that all public transport in Islamabad would be free for 30 days.

The crisis was triggered by a sharp surge in global oil prices following the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has severely disrupted international energy markets and threatened the flow of crude through the Strait of Hormuz. In response, the government on Thursday raised petrol prices by 43% to Rs458.41 per litre and high-speed diesel by 55% to Rs520.35 per litre, prompting widespread public backlash, street protests in Lahore, and long queues at fuel stations across the country.

Acknowledging the burden on ordinary citizens, the Prime Minister stated that the government had absorbed Rs129 billion in subsidies over the preceding three weeks to shield the public from the full brunt of rising international prices. The revised petrol rate of Rs378 per litre will remain in effect nationwide for at least one month.

In a parallel relief effort, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that all public transport in Islamabad would be free of charge for 30 days, with the Ministry of Interior bearing an estimated cost of Rs350 million.

CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz extended the same measure province-wide, making the Orange Line Metro, Metro Bus, Speedo buses, and Green Electric Buses free for daily commuters. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, meanwhile, announced a monthly cash subsidy of Rs2,000 for registered motorcycle owners across the province, to be disbursed digitally through the excise department within 15 days.

Additional relief measures include a Rs100-per-litre diesel subsidy per acre for farmers, targeted monthly financial support for freight and passenger transport operators, and a freeze on Pakistan Railways’ economy-class fares. Federal cabinet members also extended their salary contributions to the national exchequer from 2 months to 6 months under the government’s broader austerity programme.

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Fuel Price Hike
CategoriesNews Economy Transport

Pakistan Announces Record Fuel Price Hike Amid Regional Crisis

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan government has announced an unprecedented increase in fuel prices. Petrol prices have been raised by Rs137 per litre, a staggering 43% jump, bringing the new rate to a historic high of Rs458.4 per litre. High-speed diesel has surged even more sharply, climbing 55% to Rs520.35 per litre, while kerosene and light diesel oil rose to Rs468 and Rs395 per litre, respectively.

The move marks the second major fuel price revision in under a month, pushing the cumulative increase in petrol to 63% and high-speed diesel to 75% within thirty days.

A key driver behind the hike is the government’s failure to secure greater subsidy allowances from the International Monetary Fund, which capped fuel subsidies at Rs152 billion. Simultaneously, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes has sent international oil prices soaring, severely limiting Islamabad’s room to manoeuvre.

To offset diesel costs, the government has raised the petroleum levy on petrol to a record Rs161 per litre, effectively transferring the burden onto petrol consumers to cross-subsidise diesel users, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism. As a partial relief measure, motorcycle riders will receive a subsidy of Rs100 per litre.

The government has announced subsidies for farmers, transporters, and low-income citizens. Small farmers will receive a one-time payment of Rs 1,500 per acre. Truck operators carrying food items will receive Rs 70,000 per month, large transport vehicles will receive Rs 80,000 per month, and inter-city passenger vehicles will receive Rs 100,000 per month.

A Rs100-per-litre fuel subsidy will also apply to inter-city and goods transport, with prices reviewed monthly. Low-income train passengers will also benefit from federal support.

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CategoriesNews Construction Developments Economy Transport Urban Developments & Planning

Karachi Road Built from Recycled Plastic Waste Inaugurated by City Mayor

KARACHI: Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab on Monday inaugurated a road near the English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM) facility constructed using recycled industrial plastic waste, marking a notable convergence of private-sector sustainability efforts and urban infrastructure development in Pakistan’s largest city.

The road, located adjacent to EBM’s Karachi manufacturing plant, was developed in partnership with Concept Loop and is designed to divert low-value plastic waste from landfills by converting it into durable road material. The initiative is part of EBM’s broader circular economy agenda and is presented as a scalable model for integrating recycled materials into national infrastructure projects.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mayor Wahab described the project as “practical innovation that Karachi needs,” adding that it addresses both infrastructural deficiencies and environmental challenges simultaneously. EBM Executive Director Shahzain Munir emphasised the company’s commitment to long-term value creation through circular solutions and called for stronger public–private collaboration to scale such initiatives nationwide.

The inauguration ceremony also featured public awareness activities on sustainable waste management practices.

Separately, Mayor Wahab laid the foundation stone for the rehabilitation of Mirza Adam Khan Road in Lyari Town on the same day, at an estimated cost of Rs400 million. The project encompasses a 4.48-kilometre dual carriageway, a 4.61-kilometre drainage line, and an 18-inch sewerage line, with completion targeted before 30 June 2026. The mayor noted the road is a key artery connecting the Mauripur Road and Garden areas and forms part of the broader Lyari Transformation Project, valued at approximately Rs5 billion in its first phase.

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CategoriesNews Construction Transport Urban Developments & Planning

CDA Plans Citywide Bicycle Tracks to Promote Eco-Friendly Transport in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced plans to introduce dedicated bicycle tracks across Islamabad as part of efforts to promote sustainable transportation and improve urban mobility.

According to officials, the initiative aims to develop a comprehensive network of cycling lanes across various sectors and major roads in the federal capital. The project is intended to provide residents with an alternative mode of transport while reducing traffic congestion and environmental impact.

The bicycle track plan is part of broader urban development measures focused on enhancing public infrastructure and encouraging healthier commuting options. Authorities indicated that the project will include proper planning for connectivity between different sectors, ensuring accessibility and usability for daily commuters.

In addition to promoting cycling culture, the initiative is expected to contribute to environmental goals by reducing carbon emissions associated with conventional transport. Officials also highlighted that the development of cycling infrastructure aligns with efforts to modernize the city’s transport system and improve the quality of life for residents.

The CDA has previously undertaken planning for large-scale cycling networks, including proposals for extensive bicycle lanes and supporting facilities such as parking stands and safety infrastructure.

While detailed timelines for the latest phase have not been disclosed, the authority has indicated that the project will be implemented in stages as part of ongoing development efforts in the capital.

The initiative reflects a continued focus on sustainable urban planning and the introduction of alternative transport solutions in Islamabad.

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