TIMES REPORT
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday inaugurated a new National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Service Centre here on Multan road and announced a series of major development initiatives aimed at improving public services and infrastructure in the district.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the governor unveiled plans for a permanent NADRA building, expansion of facilitation services, restoration of air connectivity, improvements in power infrastructure and the extension of gas supply schemes in different parts of the district.
The ceremony was attended by PPP Parliamentary Leader in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Ahmed Karim Kundi, PPP District President Malik Farhan Afzal Dhap, former District Nazim Azizullah Alizai, party workers and a large number of local residents.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Kundi said the provincial government had approved two-kanal land adjacent to Regional Passport office for the construction of a dedicated NADRA building in Dera Ismail Khan, adding that the people of the district would not be deprived of essential public services. He announced that 26 NADRA facilitation centres would be established across southern districts, including four each in Dera Ismail Khan and Tank.
He said passport counters would also be introduced at NADRA centres to provide multiple services under one roof and spare residents, particularly those from rural areas, the inconvenience of travelling long distances.
The governor said the Asian Development Bank had approved the Dera Ismail Khan–Dera Ghazi Khan–Rajanpur dual carriageway project and the tendering process had been completed. The work on the project, he added, was expected to begin soon.
He further announced that the long-awaited Bandkorai Grid Station would be inaugurated before Muharram, while a new transformer for Dera Ismail Khan Grid Station-II had already arrived. The completion of these projects, he said, would significantly reduce power outages and voltage fluctuations in the area.
Referring to aviation development, Kundi said efforts were underway to resume ATR flight operations from Dera Ismail Khan Airport through engagement with a private airline. He also disclosed plans for a Greenfield International Airport near Yarik and Gloti, expressing optimism that the project would receive approval in the upcoming board’s meeting.
The governor said that the proposed airport would have the capacity to serve around one million passengers annually and would contribute significantly to regional economic growth, trade and investment.
On energy projects, he said natural gas supply would be extended to Korai and Kotla Syedan areas before Muharram. He noted that the gas scheme had originally been initiated during his tenure as Deputy Speaker but had remained incomplete over the years.
Kundi also thanked PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for supporting the establishment of an SIUT healthcare facility in Dera Ismail Khan, describing it as a valuable contribution to the welfare of local residents.
Recalling the challenges faced by NADRA services in the district, the governor said a previous office had been demolished during a so called anti-encroachment drive, after that the facility was shifted to Ratta Kulachi where it came under a terrorist attack. He thanked Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the NADRA Chairman and provincial officials for their role in establishing the new service centre within a short period.
The governor reiterated that, as the representative of the federation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he remained committed to working with all stakeholders for the province’s development and constitutional rights. He urged the provincial government to cooperate in addressing public issues and accelerating development initiatives.
He also criticised shortcomings in governance, municipal services and development planning, calling for greater accountability and improved service delivery. Kundi pledged to continue working for the progress, prosperity and welfare of the people of Dera Ismail Khan and the wider region.
Speaking on the occasion, Ahmed Karim Kundi said the establishment of the NADRA Service Centre reflected the Pakistan Peoples Party’s commitment to public service and the protection of citizens’ rights. He appreciated the efforts of Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and NADRA officials in making the facility operational.
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