DG KHAN, Oct 19 (DNA):Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari said the Rs 5.5 billion expansion of Dera Ghazi Khan Airport to accommodate international flights would be
completed by January 2028.
During a visit to the project site, the minister inspected runway extension work and reviewed progress.
He said Civil Aviation Authority teams were working on the project, which would improve travel facilities and create new development opportunities in South Punjab.
Leghari said the prime minister had announced four major development projects for DG Khan, including the airport expansion, a cancer hospital, a long-term sewerage scheme and road expansion. The sewerage project is being designed to meet the city’s needs for the next 50 years, while improved roads would facilitate public movement.
Regarding electricity load-shedding, the minister said power cuts were being carried out according to a planned schedule. He said the Iran-US war had created challenges in gas supply and availability, affecting electricity generation costs.
He said the government was installing the Advanced Power Management System (APMS) on transformers nationwide to curb electricity theft and reduce line losses. The system would help identify transformers serving areas with high power theft and enable targeted action without disrupting electricity supply to thousands of consumers across an entire feeder.
Leghari said load-shedding would continue on feeders with losses of 30 per cent or more. He added that no leniency would be shown to electricity thieves or consumers who failed to pay their bills.
The minister said the development projects would improve transport, healthcare, sewerage and road infrastructure in DG Khan, opening new avenues of progress for the city and the wider region.
Earlier, the Civil Aviation Authority’s project director briefed the minister on the airport expansion and presented him with a shield. Leghari also planted a sapling at the project site as part of a plantation drive and offered a prayer.
MNA Sardar Ammar Leghari, MPA Ali Yousaf Leghari and former MPAs Sardar Yousaf Leghari and Aleem Shah were also present.
