Frontier Works Organization

Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), todays most versatile and vibrant construction firm, was established on 31 October 1966 to wrought a miracle and carve out a modern highway, the Karakoram Highway, across crags and crevices of the highest mountain ranges of the world. It was towards the completion stage of KKH that the Government analysed the tremendous potential of FWO in carrying out civil engineering projects in diffcult and inhospitable areas and decided not only to keep FWO in existence, but also to expand its tentacles throughout the country. In 1958, it started as a modest project to provide an all weather road link between Swat and Gilgit which grew into a mega highway project when, in 1966, it was decided to link China with Pakistan through a highway. Initially the construction remained limited to a shingled road, with temporary bridges, between Thakot and Khunjerab (about 400 km) and the link was affected in February 1971. In the second phase the limits of the highway were extended up to Havelian, the temporary bridges were replaced with permanent ones and the road widened and carpeted to highway standards. The project was completed in 1978. Gomal Zam Dam is a project of vital national interest and will open a new chapter of prosperity for Pakistan. Respect for the local community and environment are among the top concerns on the Gomal Zam Dam Multipurpose Project (Dam Component), flood mitigation perennial water for irrigation, improved environment of the area, improvement of living standards and regional development are some of its most important purposes. Frontier Works Organization takes full advantage of local expertise, labor, materials and services. Thinking locally makes good environmental as well as business sense, and will leave a positive legacy of economic growth and a stronger skill base in the region.