DERA GHAZI KHAN (Special Correspondent) – Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has announced that the DG Khan Airport expansion project, aimed at upgrading the facility to international status, is scheduled for completion by January 2028. This critical infrastructure project, valued at Rs. 5.5 billion, is currently undergoing active construction by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Key Points

• The DG Khan Airport expansion is a Rs. 5.5 billion project targeted for completion in January 2028.
• Four major development initiatives for the region include airport upgrades, a cancer hospital, sewerage systems, and road rehabilitation.
• The federal government is deploying Advanced Power Monitoring Systems (APMS) on transformers to curb electricity theft and line losses.
• Load shedding remains mandatory for feeders reporting Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses of 30 percent or higher.

Infrastructure Development in South Punjab

During a site inspection, the Federal Minister for Energy reviewed the ongoing runway expansion and discussed the broader impact of the project. He emphasized that the modernization of the airport will provide essential travel facilities to the local population and serve as a catalyst for economic growth throughout South Punjab. The project is part of a series of development announcements made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, which also includes the establishment of a new cancer hospital and a comprehensive 50-year master plan for regional sewerage infrastructure. These initiatives are expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity and public service delivery.

Energy Sector Reforms and Power Management

Addressing the current state of national power distribution, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari clarified that electricity load management is strictly following a scheduled protocol. He attributed rising generation costs to gas supply constraints caused by global geopolitical instability. As the government navigates these international supply chain challenges, it has prioritized the integration of technology to mitigate system losses. The deployment of APMS technology is designed to pinpoint electricity theft at the transformer level, allowing for targeted enforcement rather than collective punishment for paying customers.

The Federal Minister affirmed that there will be zero tolerance for electricity thieves or chronic defaulters, particularly on feeders with high loss profiles. Regarding the development progress, he stated that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to improving road networks and civic amenities to accelerate regional economic development. The event was attended by Member of the National Assembly Sardar Ammar Leghari, Member of the Provincial Assembly Ali Yousaf Leghari, and other local dignitaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the DG Khan Airport expansion expected to be finished?

The DG Khan Airport expansion project is slated for completion by January 2028.

How does the new APMS system assist in power management?

The Advanced Power Monitoring System (APMS) identifies specific transformers in high-theft areas, enabling targeted disconnections of electricity thieves without penalizing paying consumers on the same feeder.