Dil Dil Pakistan: Pakistan Moterway

The Motorways of Pakistan are a series of high quality highways in Pakistan. They are maintained by the National Highway Authority.

The construction of motorways in Pakistan was first proposed in deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in which he called for a motorway between Lahore and the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The idea behind a motorway was supported by many in the country, however, Nawaz Sharif was criticized for the plan. Instead, many wanted the first motorway to be built between the two largest cities in Pakistan (Lahore and Karachi). However the plans went ahead and in 1997 the M2 was opened to the public. Since then the M3, M9, M10, and M1 has become operational. The M8 will continue to be built up until late 2010.

List of Motorways in Pakistan

M1 Extends from Peshawar to Islamabad

Access Controlled / 6 Lanes / Operational

M2 Extends from Lahore to Islamabad

Access Controlled / 6 Lanes / Operational

M3 Extends from Pindi Bhattian to Faisalabad

Access Controlled / 4 Lanes / Operational

M4 Extends from Faisalabad to Multan Proposed

M5 Extends from Multan to Dera Ghazi Khan Proposed

M6 Extends from Dera Ghazi Khan to Ratodero Proposed

M7 Extends from Ratodero to Karachi Proposed

M8 Extends from Ratodero to Gwadar Access controlled / 4 lanes / Under construction (2 lane road completed & operational)

M9 Extends from Karachi to Hyderabad Access controlled / 4 lanes / Operational

M10 Also referred to as the Karachi Northern Bypass Access Controlled / 6 Lanes / Operational

LSM Extends from Sialkot to Lahore Access Controlled / 6 Lanes / Under construction

Interesting Facts

One of the most expensive motorways in Asia
Has the highest pillared-bridge in Asia (at the Khewra Salt Range)

Pakistan Airforce can use this Motorway for landing and takingoff of Fighter planes in war.In M-1 which is recently completed specially some place is reserved only for this purpose.