DG Khan airport expansion project to be completed by Jan 2028: Leghari

ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari on Monday said the Rs5.5 billion expansion project of Dera Ghazi Khan Airport, aimed at enabling international flights, will be completed by January 2028.

Speaking during his inspection visit to the DG Khan Airport expansion project, the minister 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 residents and unlock new avenues for progress and prosperity across South Punjab.

He said teams of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) were working on the project following the prime minister’s announcement to upgrade the airport for international operations. 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 was 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, the minister noted that load shedding was 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 was introducing modern technology to combat power theft and curtail line losses. In this regard, the Advanced Power Management System (APMS) was being deployed on transformers nationwide to detect electricity theft and enable targeted enforcement.

He 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 penalized for the actions of electricity thieves.

This modern system will curtail power theft, minimize line losses and optimize the electricity distribution network.

The minister reiterated that load shedding will continue on feeders reporting 30 percent or higher AT&C losses, emphasizing that no leniency will be shown toward 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.

Leghari 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 Civil Aviation Authority’s Project Director briefed the minister on the airport expansion project and presented him with a commemorative shield.  The minister also planted a sapling as part of the plantation campaign at the project site and offered prayers.

Member of the National Assembly Sardar Ammar Leghari, Member of the Provincial Assembly Ali Yousaf Leghari, and former MPAs Sardar Yousaf Leghari and Aleem Shah were also present.