DG Khan airport to become international by Jan 2028, says Leghari

Federal Minister for Power Division, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, announced on Monday that the expansion of DG Khan Airport to accommodate international flights is underway, with the Rs5.5 billion project set to be finished by January 2028. During a visit to the airport, Leghari examined the runway extension work and evaluated the project's progress.

He expressed that upgrading the airport for international flights would offer travel facilities to the local population and generate new opportunities for growth and prosperity in south Punjab.

The prime minister had previously announced four significant development projects for DG Khan: airport expansion, a cancer hospital, a long-term sewerage project, and the widening and rehabilitation of road networks. The sewerage project is designed to meet the region's needs for the next 50 years, while wider roads will facilitate smoother commuting. The completion of these initiatives will considerably enhance civic amenities and expedite regional development.

Addressing the issue of loadshedding, Leghari stated that it was being carried out as per a predetermined plan. He explained that gas supply and availability issues resulting from the Iran-US war were impacting power generation costs, leading to reliance on more expensive sources. To tackle power theft and line losses, the government is implementing modern technology, including the installation of an Anti-Power Theft Management System (APMS) on transformers throughout the country.

This system will pinpoint specific transformers in high-theft areas and enable targeted disconnections, preventing paying consumers from being penalized for the actions of electricity thieves. By curbing power theft, minimizing line losses, and optimizing the electricity distribution network, the APMS aims to reduce loadshedding.

Leghari concluded by explaining that loadshedding would persist on feeders with 30% or higher losses, and there would be no leniency towards electricity thieves and chronic defaulters.