RAWALPINDI: A ground-breaking ceremony was organised by the Afghan Ministry of Public Works at Jalalabad on Monday for the construction of an additional carriageway along the Torkham-Jalalabad Road.

The 75km section, to be constructed by Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), is part of the Grand Trunk Road which connects the two countries through Khyber Pass.

Pakistan announced the construction of the road last week, according to an ISPR release.

The ceremony was attended by Muhammad Hanif Gardiwal, acting Governor Nangarhar province, Maj Gen Muhammad Afzal, Director General FWO, Syed Ibrar Hussain, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ahmed Ali Hazrat, Chairman of Provincial Council Engineer Noorgul Mangal, Technical Deputy Minister and other higher officials.           

Mr Gardiwal said the highway would strengthen the deep-rooted ties between the two brotherly countries. “We are grateful to the government and people of Pakistan for the gift of this road and improved facilities of communication will further strengthen the bonds of friendship,” he added.           

Maj Gen Afzal said the 75km, 2-lane additional carriageway would be constructed along the existing one which was completed back in 2006 by the FWO.

Entire cost of the project will be borne by Pakistan. Total width of the road will be expanded to 14.6 metres into a 4-lane carriageway.

The highway will be constructed on a par with the international standards to cater for all types of heavy traffic. Seven bridges and six underpasses are part of the project, the DG added.

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2015

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