ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Communications on Monday was assured that the Lowari Tunnel would remain operational for traffic during winter months. The committee was informed that the Hassan Abdal – Hawelian Motorway would be operational by December, 2017. The members were informed that NHA wanted to complete the project by August, 2017, but it was not possible because of the heavy rain. The committee directed the ministry for completion of project on time. The committee also directed for timely completion of the Hawelian – Mansehra and Mansehra – Thakot Road. The committee was informed that construction of Peshawar Northern Bypass had been divided into four phases. Phase-1, from M-1 to Charsadda, had already been completed. The remaining work on other phases would be completed on time as work was in process. The committee said that all efforts were needed to ensure that the project was not delayed. “The Topi-Swabi-Mardan Road was 62 kilometres long and connects important cities and six districts to Peshawar. It was in urgent need of repairs,” the meeting was informed. The meeting was presided over by Hamidul Haq Khalil. Sarzameen, Mir Shabir Ali Bijarani, Saleem Rehman, Usman Khan Tarkai and Shahjehan Munir Mangrio attended the meeting. Published in Daily Times, August 29th 2017.