ISLAMABAD: Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Thursday announced that the religious sites of Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib would be linked to the national motorway network.

Presiding over a high-level meeting, the minister directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to begin construction of the Sialkot-Kartarpur Motorway, which will be named “Guru Nanak Expressway”. He said three-star, four-star and five-star hotels would be developed along the highway to facilitate pilgrims.

To encourage investment from the global Sikh community, the NHA will launch international marketing campaigns in London, Canada and the United States, he added.

The minister said the projects would be showcased at international roadshows to attract foreign direct investment. “These projects will be a game-changer for the region,” he said.

Aleem Khan said the new expressway would bring significant socio-economic benefits to nearby towns, including Narang Mandi and Badu Malhi.

The NHA has also been tasked with ensuring the construction of state-of-the-art rest areas and shopping malls along the routes.

Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2026