ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was informed on Thursday that National Highway Authority (NHA) revenue soared to Rs 109 billion in FY 2025, marking a remarkable 63 percent increase from Rs 66.8 billion in 2024. During to review meeting on NHA’s performance, chaired by the prime minister, NHA officials credited the surge to stronger toll collection and reforms implemented under the prime minister’s directives. Sharif called the open auction of toll plazas a “commendable step” and demanded top-notch standards in motorway repair and maintenance. The meeting revealed impressive gains: M-Tag usage on motorways jumped to 81 percent from 20 percent, while axle load compliance hit 90 percent on highways and 95 percent on motorways, cutting accidents and extending road life. Officials also highlighted upgrades to existing service areas, development of new ones, and a new air ambulance service coming this year to complement the 24-hour Rescue 1122 network at all motorway interchanges. Major projects like the Lyari Expressway, Thokar Niaz Baig (N-5), and the Islamabad–Murree Expressway have been completed using NHA’s own budget. Sharif directed that all ongoing projects stick to their timelines and praised Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and his team for boosting revenue and safety across the nation’s motorways and highways. The meeting was attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Communications Minister Aleem Khan, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, and other senior officials. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026