Governor Kundi unveils development agenda for DI Khan

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, May 31 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has announced a series of development initiatives for Dera Ismail Khan, including the expansion of NADRA services, revival of air connectivity, infrastructure upgrades, and measures aimed at improving public facilities and economic opportunities in the region.

He made these remarks while addressing a reception hosted in his honour by Central Traders Association Dera Ismail Khan’s President Sohail Ahmad Azmi.

Speaking on the occasion, Association’s President and senior columnist Sohail Ahmed Azmi, Patron-in-Chief Haji Kafeel Ahmed Nizami, and prominent landlord and political figure Haji Abdul Rashid Dhap welcomed the governor and praised his efforts for regional development, resolution of public issues, and protection of the province’s rights.

Governor Kundi said the provincial government had allocated two kanals of land adjacent to the Passport Office for a permanent NADRA office building. He added that NADRA facilities had already been established in Panyala, Kirri Khaisour and other areas, while four additional NADRA offices would soon be opened in the district. Passport counters would also be introduced at NADRA centres to provide multiple services under one roof.

Referring to the D.I. Khan Airport, the governor said he had recently visited the facility and reviewed the remaining development work. He said discussions would be initiated with a private airline company for the launch of ATR aircraft operations, while efforts would also be made to fully rehabilitate the runway. He added that he would take up the matter with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.

Kundi said Section-IV had already been imposed on 1,600 acres of land for the proposed D.I. Khan Greenfield Airport project, which is awaiting approval from the Pakistan Airports Authority board. According to him, the airport is expected to be among the country’s major aviation facilities.

Highlighting road infrastructure projects, he said tenders for the dualisation of the D.I. Khan–Rajanpur road had been completed with the support of the Asian Development Bank. He further stated that the D.I. Khan Grid Station-II and Bandkorai Grid Station projects were nearing completion, with the inauguration of the Bandkorai facility expected before Muharram.

The governor said significant progress had also been made on the Chashma Lift Canal project and expressed hope that it would be inaugurated soon. He noted that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had agreed to provide the province’s 40 percent share of the project cost.

Discussing agricultural and energy issues, Kundi said collective efforts had helped address challenges related to wheat supply and CNG. He stressed that if the federal government could not provide wheat to the province, it should at least ensure Khyber Pakhtunkhwa receives its due share of water, enabling it to meet its own agricultural requirements.

He revealed that Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had allocated Rs One billion for flood victims, but the funds were prioritised for the establishment of an SIUT hospital in the public interest. The process of identifying suitable land for the project is currently underway.

As President of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kundi said memorandums of understanding had been signed with Sundas Foundation and Ittefaq Kidney Hospital to provide free treatment to deserving patients. He also highlighted the organisation of the province’s first Farmers Awards ceremony at the Governor House to recognise the contributions of farmers.

Addressing gas supply issues, the governor said natural gas for D.I. Khan originates from Darazinda, but technical challenges continue to affect consumers. He assured that efforts were underway to resolve the problem.

He further announced plans to establish regional offices of various federal and commercial institutions in D.I. Khan, including a Protector Office for overseas Pakistanis and a Trade Development Authority office.

Kundi also underscored the economic potential of D.I. Khan’s dates, saying the fruit met international standards but suffered losses due to inadequate processing facilities. He called for the establishment of a date processing plant in the region and said efforts were also being made to set up a Defence Housing Authority (DHA) project in the district.

The governor announced that preparations for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Champions League were in progress and that its official promotional campaign would be launched soon.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, he distributed appreciation certificates among trader representatives in recognition of their services.