Rs5.5b airport upgrade underway

Practical work has commenced on the prime minister's announcement to upgrade Dera Ghazi Khan (DG Khan) Airport for international flights, Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari said during an inspection visit to the project, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Energy on Monday.

The expansion project, costing Rs5.5 billion, is slated for completion by January 2028. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) teams are actively working on-site, with steady progress underway across multiple fronts, including runway expansion, the minister said.

Speaking during the visit, he reviewed ongoing progress and examined the runway expansion work. He noted that upgrading the airport for international flights will provide superior travel facilities to the local population and unlock new avenues for progress and prosperity across south Punjab.

The minister highlighted that the prime minister had announced four major development projects for DG Khan: airport expansion, the establishment of a cancer hospital, a long-term sewerage project and the widening and rehabilitation of road networks. The sewerage project is being designed to cater to the region's requirements for the next 50 years, while improved, wider roads will ensure smoother commuting. The completion of these initiatives will significantly enhance civic amenities and accelerate regional development.

Addressing nationwide electricity load management, he noted that load-shedding is being conducted strictly according to an established schedule. He pointed out that gas supply and availability constraints stemming from broader geopolitical tensions have driven up power generation costs, compelling reliance on more expensive energy sources.

He reaffirmed that the government is introducing modern technology to combat power theft and curtail line losses. In this regard, Advanced Power Management System (APMS) systems are being deployed on transformers nationwide to detect electricity theft and enable targeted enforcement.

The minister explained that APMS will identify specific transformers in high-theft areas, enabling targeted disconnections so that thousands of paying consumers on an entire feeder are not penalised for the actions of electricity thieves. This modern system will curtail power theft, minimise line losses and optimise the electricity distribution network.

He reiterated that load-shedding will continue on feeders reporting 30% or higher aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses, emphasising that no leniency will be shown towards electricity thieves or chronic defaulters. He underscored that the government remains fully committed to reforming the power distribution network, curbing operational losses and delivering better services to consumers.

The minister expressed confidence that ongoing development initiatives in DG Khan will yield substantial improvements in travel connectivity, public healthcare, sanitation and road infrastructure, while elevating the airport to international standards will create new opportunities for DG Khan and south Punjab.

Earlier, the project director of the CAA briefed the minister on the airport expansion project and presented him with a commemorative shield. The minister also planted a sapling and offered prayers as part of a plantation campaign at the site.

Member of the National Assembly Sardar Ammar Leghari, Member of the Provincial Assembly Ali Yousaf Leghari and former members of the provincial assembly Sardar Yousaf Leghari and Aleem Shah were also present on the occasion.