Top 15 Famous National Highways in Pakistan

Highways are extensive road networks designed to accommodate high volumes of traffic and enable efficient long-distance travel. These roadways are typically built to higher standards, featuring multiple lanes, controlled access points, and well-engineered designs to ensure smooth and safe transportation.

Pakistan has a vast network of highways connecting its major cities and towns. These highways play a crucial role in facilitating transportation, promoting economic growth, and enhancing connectivity across the country. In this article, we will explore the national highways of Pakistan.

List of National Highways in Pakistan

Name	Route	Length (km)	Lanes
N-5	Karachi – Torkham	1819	4-6
N-10	Karachi – Gwadar	653	2
N-15	Mansehra – Chilas	240	2
N-20	Kashmore – Ubauro	42	2
N25	Karachi – Chaman	813	2
N-30	Basima – Khuzdar	110	2
N-35	Hasan Abdal – Khunjerab Pass	1300	2
N-40	Quetta – Taftan	610	2
N-45	Nowshera – Chitral	309	2
N-50	Kuchlak – Dera Ismail Khan	531	2
N-55	Kotri – Peshawar	1264	2-4
N-60	Lahore – Sargodha	185	2-4-6
N-65	Quetta – Sukkur	385	4
N-70	Qila Saifullah – Multan	447	2-4
N-75	Islamabad – Kohala	138	4
N-80	Islamabad – Kohat	146	2
N-85	Hushab – Surab	487	2
N-90	Khwazakhela – Besham	64	2
N-95	Chakdara – Kalam	135	2
N-105	Larkana – Lakhi	61	2
N-110	Gharo – Keti Bunder	90	2
N-115	Tranda Muhammad Panah – Jalalpur Pirwala	66	2
N-120	Hyderabad – Khokhrapar	220	2
N-125	Taxila – Haripur	44	2
N-130	Mianwali – Balkasar	129	2
N-135	Mianwali – Muzaffarghar	363	2
N1-40	Gilgit – Chitral	363	2
N-145	Dorah Pass – Chitral	82.5	2
N155	Larkana – Mohenjo Daro	28	2
N-255	Larkana – Nasirabad	34	2
N-305	Sakrand – Nawabshah	35	2
N-455	Larkana – Shahdadkot	50	2
N-655	Ratodero – Naudero	18	2

 

15 Famous National Highways in Pakistan

Let’s take a closer look at the top 15 famous national highways in Pakistan that not only provide efficient transportation but also showcase the stunning natural beauty of the country.

N-5 (Karachi – Torkham)

N-5 is a 1,819 km national highway in Pakistan, connecting Karachi in Sindh to Torkham in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is Pakistan’s longest national highway and is an important north–south road artery. The highway was built on the ancient Grand Trunk Road and extended to Pakistan after its independence in 1947. The National Highway Authority manages the highway.

The N-5 passes through the following cities:

• Karachi
• Hyderabad
• Moro
• Sukkur
• Multan
• Sahiwal
• Lahore
• Gujranwala
• Gujrat
• Jhelum
• Rawalpindi
• Attock Khurd
• Nowshera
• Peshawar
• Torkham

N-10 (Karachi – Gwadar)

The N-10 or Makran coastal highway runs along the Arabian Sea coast from Karachi to Gwadar. It was built in 2004 to improve transportation and communications in Balochistan province and to develop the coastal towns of Ormara, Pasni and Gwadar. The highway has reduced the travel time between Karachi and Gwadar from two days to 6-7 hours and has helped to boost economic activity in the region.

The highway is also important for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, as it provides a shorter route for Chinese goods to reach the Middle East and Africa.

To explore motorways, Read our blog: A Comprehensive List of Motorways In Pakistan.

N-15 (Mansehra – Chilas)

The N-15 connects the cities of Mansehra and Chilas. It is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning scenery and proximity to the Karakoram Highway. The highway is well-maintained and offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, and fishing. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching, as it is home to a variety of birds, including the Himalayan snowcock, the Himalayan monal, and the white-throated fantail. The N-15 is a great way to experience the beauty of Pakistan’s natural landscape.

N-25 (Karachi – Chaman)

The N-25 is a 813 km long national highway in Pakistan that runs from Karachi in Sindh province to the Chaman border in Balochistan province. It was previously known as the Regional Cooperation for Development Highway (RCD Highway) and is also known as the “killer highway” due to the high number of accidents that occur on it. The highway is a major transportation artery for Pakistan and is used by both commercial and passenger vehicles. It is in poor condition in many places and requires repair. 

N-35 (Hasan Abdal – Khunjerab Pass)

N-35, also known as Karakoram Highway, connects Pakistan and China. It is one of the highest paved roads in the world, passing through the Karakoram mountain range. The highway was built by the governments of Pakistan and China and was completed in 1978. It is a popular tourist attraction and is an important trade route between the two countries.

It is used by millions of people each year to travel between the two countries. The highway is also an important trade route. It carries goods and commodities between Pakistan and China.

N-55 (Kotri – Peshawar)

The Indus Highway, or N-55, is a two to four-lane highway that passes through the Indus River and the Kohat Tunnel. The highway was built in 1980-1997 to provide an alternative and shorter route to the heavily used N-5. It links major cities in Pakistan, including Peshawar, Darra Adam Khel, Kohat, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Taunsa Sharif, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Rojhan Mazari, Kashmore, Kandhkot, Shikarpur, Larkana, Dadu, Jamshoro, Kotri, and Hyderabad. The government of Pakistan has plans to dualize a portion of the highway by 2023.

The Indus Highway is an important transportation corridor in Pakistan. It provides a vital link between the country’s major cities and facilitates trade and commerce. The highway is also a popular tourist destination, offering stunning views of the Indus River and the surrounding countryside.

N-65 (Quetta – Sukkur)

The National Highway 65 (N-65) is a two-lane highway that runs from Sukkur in Sindh to Quetta in Baluchistan. It is 385 kilometers long, with 295 kilometers in Baluchistan and 90 kilometers in Sindh. The highway was built in the 1960s and is a major transportation route for people and goods between the two provinces. It is also a popular tourist destination, with many people driving along the highway to see the beautiful scenery of the Pakistani countryside. The N-65 is a well-maintained highway, but it can be dangerous to drive on during the monsoon season when there is a risk of landslides and flooding.

N-70 (Qila Saifullah – Multan)

The National Highway 70 is passes through the Sulaiman Mountains,  Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, MusaKhel, Makhter region, Loralai, and Qilla Saifullah. The highway starts in Multan, crosses the Chenab and Indus rivers, and then ascends the Sulemaan range. It passes through Girdu Pass and Fort Munro before entering Balochistan. 

N-75 (Islamabad – Kohala)

The National Highway 75 is one of the most important highways in the country, as it connects the capital city with the northern regions. The highway is well-maintained and is operated by the National Highway Authority. It is a two-lane highway with a speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour. The N-75 is a vital transportation link for the people of Pakistan, and it plays an important role in the country’s economy.

N-80 (Islamabad – Kohat)

National Highway 80 (N-80) runs from Islamabad to Kohat. It is 146 kilometers long, with 121 kilometers in Punjab and 49 kilometers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is a two-lane highway with a speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour. The highway was built in the 1970s and has been upgraded several times since then. It is an important transportation link between Islamabad and the northwestern provinces of Pakistan. 

N-120 (Hyderabad – Khokhrapar)

The National Highway 120 is a 220-kilometer-long highway that runs from Hyderabad to Khokhrapar. It passes through the cities of Mirpur Khas and Umerkot. The highway is a major transportation artery in Pakistan, connecting the country’s southern provinces with the rest of the country. The highway is a two-lane highway with a speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour. 

N-125 (Taxila – Haripur)

The National Highway 125 (N-125) is a 44-kilometer-long national highway in Pakistan that runs from Taxila to Haripur via Khanpur. The highway is a two-lane road with a speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour. It is an important transportation corridor in Pakistan, connecting the cities of Taxila and Haripur. The highway is also a popular tourist destination, as it passes through the scenic Margalla Hills.

N-140 (Gilgit – Chitral)

N140 is under construction highway. The Pakistani government has announced plans to improve and federalize the Chitral-Shandur-Gilgit road, which is 363 kilometers long and connects the Chitral and Gilgit regions. The road will be renamed N-140 and will be widened and improved to connect with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The government hopes that the improved road will serve as an alternate route for trade and traffic, reducing congestion on the Karakoram Highway.

N-155 (Larkana – Mohenjo Daro)

National Highway 155 (N-155) is a 28-kilometer-long national highway in Pakistan that runs from Larkana to Moenjo Daro in Sindh province. The highway is a two-lane road that connects the two cities. It is a major transportation route for people and goods in the region. The highway is also a popular tourist destination, as it passes through the Indus Valley Civilization archaeological site of Moenjo Daro.

N-305 (Sakrand – Nawabshah)

The National Highway 305 is a 35-kilometer-long highway in Pakistan that runs from Sakrand to Nawabshah in the Sindh province. It is maintained and operated by the National Highway Authority of Pakistan. The highway was constructed in 2005 and is a two-lane road. It is a major transportation artery in the region and connects the cities of Sakrand and Nawabshah. The highway is also a major economic lifeline for the region, as it facilitates the transportation of goods and services. It is a safe and reliable road to travel on.

Conclusion

Pakistan boasts a diverse and extensive network of highways that serve as vital transportation arteries for the country. These highways, such as the renowned N-5, N-35, and N-55, connect major cities and regions, facilitating trade, commerce, and tourism. The highways not only promote economic growth and enhance connectivity, but they also offer breathtaking landscapes. While some highways require maintenance and improvements, they remain crucial in enabling efficient and safe long-distance travel. The development and expansion of these highways reflect Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing its transportation infrastructure and fostering regional and international connectivity. As Pakistan progresses, its highways will continue to contribute to the nation’s growth and development, serving as vital lifelines for its people and economy.