MANSEHRA: The Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Mohammad Yusuf, has said that work will soon begin on the long-awaited all-weather Mansehra–Chilas Motorway. This will greatly improve the connection between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The minister told reporters on Sunday that the four-lane highway will go through the beautiful Kaghan Valley and should be done in two years. Once it’s up and running, it will greatly shorten the time it takes to get from KP to GB.

Yusuf said, “This important road will not only make it easier to get around, but it will also change the region’s economy and tourism.” He went on to say that the project was made possible by the personal interest of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, and Abdul Haleem Khan, the Federal Minister for Communications.

Boost to Tourism and Trade with China

The minister said that the motorway will not only boost tourism in the country, but it will also boost trade in the region, especially with China. He said that the Mansehra–Naran–Jalkhad (MNJ) Road, which is currently the only major road connecting KP with GB, is closed for almost half the year because of heavy snowfall from Naran to Babusar Top.

“This new highway will be open all year and will also help ease traffic on the Karakoram Highway, making travel safer and faster,” he said.

Additionally, Mr. Yusuf stated that the project would bring winter tourism to the Kaghan Valley, which has long been hampered by seasonal road closures. He stated that the PML-N government is dedicated to accelerating national development and added, “We need mega infrastructure projects like this to bring real socioeconomic change.”

33 Earthquake-Damaged Schools Completed in Oghi

Separately, 33 government schools in Oghi Tehsil that were damaged in the 2005 earthquake and left unfinished for years have now been completely rebuilt, according to Akramulla Ghazi, Chairman of the District Development Advisory Committee.

“Classes will start soon at these schools, which include elementary, middle, and high schools,” he stated. After many schools were left out of the now-defunct Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority’s (ERRA) rebuilding plan, the reconstruction was financed by provincial government funds.

Mr. Ghazi also revealed that the Shergar–Oghi–Mansehra and College roads, which had been in bad shape for years, would be repaired with Rs. 87 million.

He added that after authorities deemed the recently finished work to be subpar, the Manchora Dam Road will be re-carpeted. “Public oversight of development initiatives is crucial. He urged that it be reported right away if contractors use subpar materials.

Source: Published in Dawn – December 8, 2025