DG Khan Airport to Be Upgraded for International Flights by January 2028, Says Awais Leghari
Rs5.5 billion expansion project under way, with four major development projects planned for the city
Dera Ghazi Khan: Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has said that work has begun on upgrading DG Khan Airport to handle international flights, following the announcement by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The Rs5.5 billion expansion project is expected to be completed in January 2028.
The minister visited the airport expansion site, where he inspected the runway extension work and reviewed progress on the project. He said teams from the Civil Aviation Authority are working on the project, and progress is continuing on several aspects, including the extension of the runway.
Speaking on the occasion, Leghari said that upgrading the airport for international flights will give local residents better travel facilities and create new opportunities for growth and prosperity in South Punjab.
The federal minister said the Prime Minister had announced four important projects for the development of DG Khan. These include the expansion of the airport, the establishment of a cancer hospital, a long-term sewerage project and the widening of roads.
He said the sewerage project is being designed to meet the needs of the next fifty years, while road expansion and widening will make travel easier for citizens. He added that the completion of these projects will improve basic facilities in the city and support the development of the region.
Responding to questions about electricity load shedding, Leghari said it is being carried out according to a fixed plan, which has helped protect consumers from very high electricity bills. He said the Iran and US war has caused difficulties in the supply and availability of gas, which is raising the cost of power generation and forcing the use of more expensive sources.
The minister said the government is introducing modern technology to control electricity theft and line losses. As part of this effort, APMS devices are being installed on transformers across the country. These will help identify theft and allow effective action in the affected areas.
He explained that the system will make it possible to identify the transformers in areas where electricity is being stolen and shut them down when needed. This means action against those stealing electricity will not force thousands of consumers on the entire feeder to suffer. He said the system will also help reduce line losses and improve the power distribution network.
Leghari made it clear that load shedding will continue on feeders with losses of 30 percent or more. He said there will be no relief for those who steal electricity or do not pay their bills, and that the government is taking steps to improve the power system, reduce losses and provide better service to consumers.
The minister expressed confidence that the ongoing projects will bring major improvements in travel facilities, public health, drainage and road infrastructure in DG Khan. He said upgrading the airport to international standards will open new paths of progress for the people of DG Khan and South Punjab.
Earlier, the Project Director of the Civil Aviation Authority briefed the minister on the airport expansion project and presented him with a shield. Leghari also planted a sapling at the site as part of a tree plantation campaign and offered a prayer.
Member of the National Assembly Sardar Ammar Leghari, Member of the Punjab Assembly Ali Yousaf Leghari, and former Punjab Assembly members Sardar Yousaf Leghari and Aleem Shah were also present on the occasion.
