Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has highlighted the importance of the upcoming M-13 Kharian–Rawalpindi Motorway, describing it as a major infrastructure project that will transform travel, trade, and regional connectivity across the country.
According to Khawaja Asif, the 117.2-kilometre, six-lane motorway has been upgraded through continuous coordination led by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). He said the M-13 is not just another motorway but a strategic alternative to the existing M-2 Motorway.
Once completed, the new route is expected to reduce the travel distance between Lahore and Rawalpindi/Islamabad by nearly 100 kilometres and cut travel time by approximately one hour. The motorway is also expected to improve road safety, lower fuel consumption, reduce transportation costs, and make freight movement more efficient.
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Khawaja Asif also praised the role of SIFC in reviving the stalled M-12 Sialkot–Kharian Motorway project. Construction on the M-12 had remained suspended since October 2024 but resumed in February 2026 following efforts to resolve institutional and administrative issues.
In addition, work is underway to upgrade the existing M-11 Lahore–Sialkot Motorway from four lanes to six lanes. Together, the M-11, M-12, and M-13 will create an integrated motorway corridor connecting Lahore, Sialkot, Kharian, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Peshawar, and key regional trade routes.
Officials expect that 50 to 60 percent of traffic currently using the M-2 Motorway will shift to the new six-lane corridor after its completion. The project is also expected to support new industrial zones, improve logistics, strengthen regional trade, and reduce Pakistan’s carbon emissions through shorter travel distances and lower fuel consumption.
The motorway network is being presented as a major step toward improving Pakistan’s transport infrastructure and boosting long-term economic growth.
