ISLAMABAD: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan in road infrastructure and the power sector, with a potential investment pipeline of $100–150 million, according to official sources.
AIIB Vice President Konstantin Limitovskiy held separate meetings with Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari to discuss ongoing and future infrastructure and energy development projects.
During the meeting, Abdul Aleem Khan outlined the government’s plan to complete key transport projects within two years, highlighting the Karachi–Hyderabad and Hyderabad–Sukkur motorway sections as critical for economic connectivity. He said the Karachi-linked segment will feature an eight-lane design, while the Hyderabad–Sukkur section will be developed as a six-lane motorway.
The minister added that the Lahore–Sialkot and Kharian–Rawalpindi motorway projects are also targeted for completion within the same timeframe. He said these developments would significantly reduce travel distances between Lahore and Islamabad by around 100 kilometres, cutting travel time by nearly an hour and generating substantial annual fuel savings.
Aleem Khan further announced plans to establish air ambulance services and modern trauma centres along motorways in collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force, aimed at improving emergency response and road safety.
AIIB Vice President Limitovskiy welcomed the infrastructure initiatives and expressed strong interest in working with the National Highway Authority, noting that the delegation’s visit also included planned engagements in Lahore.
In a separate meeting, Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari briefed the delegation on ongoing reforms in Pakistan’s energy sector, focusing on improving efficiency, transparency, and long-term sustainability.
The AIIB delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s reform efforts and said it is actively exploring opportunities in renewable energy, transmission infrastructure, and sustainable development projects, building on its global experience in similar sectors.
