FAISALABAD, Feb 21: The work on Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad Motorway (M-3) project resumed after three years on Thursday.

Federal Minister for Communications and Railways Lt-Gen Javed Ashraf Qazi (retired) visited the site at Kamalabad.

Speaking on the occasion, Javed Ashraf Qazi said that the M-3 project would be completed at cost of Rs4.28 billion, with the use of latest construction techniques. It would greatly enhance trade and commercial activity between Lahore and Faisalabad, and also the fastest means of transportation available between Islamabad and Faisalabad.

He directed that every possible steps should be taken for early and quality completion of the M-3 project.

Communications Secretary Iftikhar Rashid said it was encouraging that national talent would be utilized for the construction of M-3.

He said his ministry would extend all possible cooperation for building of this motorway.

NHA chairman Maj-Gen Farrukh Javed said that the model of the M-3 project had been altered and now the Pakistan government would provide funding for it.

He said that the over 52 km long highway would comprise four lanes, while earth work and structure would be for a six-lane project so that it could be extended in future.

He said that an interchange already existed at Pindi Bhattian point, while an interchange at Faisalabad end point had been proposed.

The project would be completed by a consortium of Pakistani construction companies: PAMIC which includes Husnain Construction Companies, M/s SKB, M/s Nazir and Co and other leading construction companies of the country.

PAMIC chairman Sheikh Muhammad Yousaf assured that the M-3 project would be completed according to the schedule with quality work.

National Highway Authority’s member (operations) Col Azizul Haq Mirza (retired), NHA’s Punjab general manager Altaf Chaudhry, project director Murtaza Qandhari, senior officers of the communications ministry and the NHA besides representative of the PAMIC were also present on the occasion.

DEMANDED: The district and tehsil Bar associations of Jhang, Faisalabad and Toba Tek Singh have decided that they would launch a movement for the establishment of a bench of the Lahore High Court in Faisalabad.