Which is the oldest road in Pakistan?

Oldest road in Pakistan: Historical verification and records

The Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) is the oldest road in Pakistan, featuring a rich historical lineage that dates back more than two millennia. It continues to serve as a vital commercial and transport artery connecting the countrys most prominent historical and modern cities.

Which is the oldest road in Pakistan?

The Grand Trunk Road, commonly known as GT Road, stands as the oldest and most historically significant major road in Pakistan. Spanning centuries of South Asian history, this vital route connects eastern and western regions, threading through major population centers and serving as a testament to enduring trade and travel. When exploring the historical infrastructure of the region, this ancient artery remains unmatched in longevity and cultural impact.

Historical Origins and Evolution of the Route

The foundations of this historic corridor stretch back over 2500 years, evolving from ancient trade tracks into a structured imperial highway. Long before modern pavement, ancient rulers and empires utilized this natural pathway to link Central Asia with the Indian subcontinent. Over generations, successive dynasties paved sections, built rest houses, and planted trees along the route to support merchants and travelers crossing the rugged terrain.

The Impact of Sher Shah Suri and the Mughal Era

While ancient roots run deep, the road underwent major reconstruction and expansion during the 16th century under the ruler Sher Shah Suri. He rebuilt and formalized the route as part of his vision to unify his vast empire, connecting critical administration hubs across northern India and present-day Pakistan. Subsequent Mughal emperors further maintained and beautified the highway, establishing milestones and caravan serais at regular intervals. Later, British colonial administrators formally designated the entire pathway as the history of Grand Trunk Road Pakistan.

Geographical Path and Modern Significance in Pakistan

Within Pakistan, the historic route enters from the northwestern border near the legendary Khyber Pass, sweeping down through Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Lahore before crossing eastward toward the Wagah border. Modern highway designations now run parallel or overlap with sections of this oldest highway in Pakistan, accommodating heavy commercial traffic and daily commuters. Despite modernization and congestion, the route continues to function as a critical economic spine supporting regional commerce and transportation.

Comparing Historical Transport Routes in South Asia

Ancient and modern transportation corridors across the region serve distinct functions, balancing historical legacy with contemporary transit demands.

Grand Trunk Road (GT Road)

• Crosses multiple countries including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan

• Spans over 2500 years of continuous use as a primary trade and travel artery

• Functions as a heavily congested national highway supporting local and regional trade

M-2 Motorway (Pakistan)

• Connects major domestic urban centers like Islamabad and Lahore directly

• Modern engineered highway constructed in the late 20th century

• Provides high-speed, controlled-access transit bypassing older congested town routes

Exploring Heritage Along the Pakistani Stretch

Tariq, a researcher based in Lahore, wanted to document remaining architectural landmarks along the historic highway north toward Rawalpindi. The initial challenge was navigating heavy modern traffic sharing the narrow lanes with older segments.

First attempt: He tried driving the entire stretch during peak morning commuting hours without planning stops, resulting in hours lost in congestion near urban entry points.

After adjusting his schedule to travel early at dawn and focusing on specific preserved pockets like roadside Mughal milestones and ancient serais, his documentation process became much smoother.

Within two weeks, he successfully mapped several historical remnants, proving that layers of ancient history still quietly survive alongside modern Pakistani infrastructure.