ISLAMABAD, Feb 14: The government will provide Rs3.6 billion to the communications ministry for improving the inter-provincial highway system.

Sources told Dawn on Tuesday that a six-year programme had been finalized for providing the shortest route to link the NWFP with Gwadar and Karachi.

The main objective of the programme is to gradually improve the infrastructure in the transport sector to support the construction activities finalized under the ninth five-year development plan, besides supporting the agricultural and industrial sectors and socioeconomic activities.

The project will provide an alternative link for the northern areas with southern parts of the country, especially Karachi and Gwadar. It will rehabilitate and improve the Dera Ismail Khan-Mughal Kot section of National Highway. This road passes through the Dera Ismail Khan district, Fata and Zhob district.