- Premier Shehbaz says Rs400b-federally-funded project to boost trade and connectivity claims highway will be completed in one year
- Says savings from fuel price decision redirected to infrastructure push in Balochistan
- Highlights completion of Rs75b agricultural package for farmers, of which Rs50b was provided by Centre
- Says seven Daanish schools to be completed by year-end in Balochistan to promote quality education
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced that work on the long-awaited Karachi–Chaman highway—often dubbed a “bloody road” due to frequent fatal accidents—has formally commenced and will now be completed within one year instead of the originally planned two years.
Addressing members of the federal cabinet ahead of their meeting, the prime minister said he had recently visited Quetta, where the foundation stone of the nearly 850-kilometre highway project was laid.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs the Federal Cabinet Meeting. pic.twitter.com/hJADAQjVZ3
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) January 14, 2026
He said the Ministry of Communications had initially proposed a two-year completion timeframe; however, he directed that the project be completed within a year. “The total cost of the project is approximately Rs400 billion, which will be fully financed by the federal government,” he said.
Recalling a key economic decision taken around six months ago, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that when international oil and petroleum prices were declining, the government opted to retain domestic fuel prices. He said the savings generated through that decision were now being utilised to transform the hazardous highway into a road of prosperity and economic connectivity.
The prime minister also highlighted the completion of a Rs75 billion agricultural package for farmers, of which Rs50 billion was provided by the federal government. He said the initiative had effectively addressed the long-standing issue of electricity theft in the province. “Through the installation of solar panels, farmers are now able to irrigate their lands independently, ensuring sustainable agricultural activity,” he added.
PM Shehbaz further announced major progress in the establishment of Daanish schools in the province, saying that construction work had not only been initiated but contractors had also been mobilised during the current month. “Five Daanish schools were already planned, while two additional schools were announced during my visit, bringing the total to seven,” he said, expressing confidence that all seven institutions would be completed by the end of this year.
The prime minister said that under the Prime Minister’s education programmes, up to 100,000 laptops were being distributed across the country. In addition, thousands of deserving male and female students were being awarded scholarships to pursue higher education, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s future development.
He said the government was making concerted efforts to advance these initiatives and expressed satisfaction over improving economic stability. “Now, God willing, we will take further steps for development that will spur economic growth and place Pakistan firmly on the path of progress and prosperity,” he added.
The prime minister also thanked all stakeholders for their efforts and for reposing confidence in the government’s policies.
Later, during an exchange of views on the overall political and security situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that following the success of Marka-e-Haq, international demand for Pakistan’s defence equipment had increased.
He said several countries were now engaged in discussions to acquire Pakistani military hardware and paid tribute to the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their unwavering efforts and sacrifices in curbing the menace of terrorism.
