Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan has ordered major upgrades to rest areas on the Lahore–Islamabad Motorway, including expansion, standard layouts and fixed-price food.
Minister Inspects Rest Areas on the Lahore–Islamabad Motorway
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has announced plans to upgrade rest areas on major motorways, starting with the Lahore–Islamabad Motorway (M2). During a recent visit, he inspected several service areas along the route to review existing facilities and hear feedback directly from travellers.
The minister visited rest houses and shops at different service points and interacted with passengers present on site. He asked them about cleanliness, food quality, washroom conditions and the overall environment at the stops. Many travellers shared their experiences and highlighted areas where services could be improved.
FWO and NHA Told to Prepare Joint Improvement Plan
Following his inspection, Abdul Aleem Khan directed the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) and the National Highway Authority (NHA) to prepare a joint plan within 15 days to improve motorway rest areas. The aim is to bring more discipline, uniformity and comfort to facilities used by thousands of people every day.
According to the minister’s instructions, the plan will cover the expansion of existing rest areas so they can handle higher traffic volumes, especially during holidays and peak travel seasons. It will also focus on giving shops and cafés a uniform layout so that rest stops look more organised and easier for travellers to navigate.
Fixed Food Prices and Better Facilities for Travellers
One of the key points in the upcoming plan is the provision of food and beverages at fixed prices. Abdul Aleem Khan has asked the authorities to create a clear price structure so that travellers are not overcharged at motorway restaurants and tuck shops. Displaying standard price lists at all outlets is expected to improve transparency and build trust among users.
The minister also stressed that basic facilities such as clean washrooms, proper seating areas, prayer spaces and family-friendly zones must be maintained at a high standard. By ensuring that these services are reliable and affordable, the government hopes to make long-distance travel more comfortable and stress-free for motorists.
Traffic Data to Guide Future Rest Area Expansion
During the visit, Abdul Aleem Khan directed officials to compile detailed data on the daily number of vehicles using the Lahore–Islamabad Motorway. This information will be used to plan future expansions of rest areas and to manage traffic more efficiently at busy stops.
Accurate traffic data will help the FWO and NHA identify which sections of the motorway experience the highest load and at what times of day. Based on this analysis, authorities can decide where to add more parking space, extra fuel pumps, additional food outlets or larger washroom blocks to better serve travellers’ needs.
Focus on Clean, Organised and User-Friendly Rest Areas
At the Bhera Rest Area, overseas Pakistanis met the minister and expressed appreciation for the facilities already available on the motorway. Abdul Aleem Khan acknowledged their feedback but said there was still room for improvement, particularly in visual organisation and long-term maintenance.
He emphasised that rest areas should not only function well but also look neat and well planned. Standardised shop layouts, clear signboards and tidy surroundings can make a big difference to how safe and comfortable travellers feel during their journey. The planned upgrades are part of a broader effort to raise the overall standard of motorway services in Pakistan and ensure a better experience for all road users.
