MUHAMMAD REHAN
PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the development of Dera Ismail Khan and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains his top priority, with significant progress underway on projects in healthcare, education, infrastructure, energy, aviation and public services.
Talking to senior journalist Muhammad Rehan at the Governor House, the Governor said practical steps are being taken to establish an Al-Shifa Eye Trust Hospital in DI Khan. As an initial step, a three-day free eye camp will be held in Kokar from July 22, where around 100 patients will receive examination, diagnosis and treatment daily.
He said work is also progressing on establishing an SIUT (Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation) facility in DI Khan with the support of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, while land acquisition for the project is in its final stage.
Governor Kundi said the Greenfield International Airport project has reached the approval stage at the Pakistan Aviation Authority Board. Efforts are also underway to restore the runway at the existing DI Khan Airport, while South Air plans to launch flights linking DI Khan with Chitral, Quetta, Peshawar and Lahore.
He added that the Saudi Airlines office has been established in Peshawar, while efforts are continuing to launch Peshawar-Madinah flights and include Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Road to Makkah initiative.
On education, he said a proposal is under consideration to launch three-month IT courses in collaboration with Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute and Gomal University, with successful participants receiving GIKI certificates.
The Governor said land has been allocated for a NADRA Complex in DI Khan, while steps are also being taken to establish a NADRA Zone and expand services across southern districts. Passport counters at NADRA centres will also provide multiple services under one roof.
Discussing the energy sector, he said the transformer at Band Korai Grid Station has been installed and will soon be inaugurated. A new transformer at DI Khan Grid Station No. 2 will significantly reduce low-voltage and power-tripping issues, while work is also underway on a second transmission line and an alternative power supply line to ensure uninterrupted electricity.
Governor Kundi reaffirmed that all development commitments for southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would be fulfilled in phases, transforming Dera Ismail Khan into a modern regional hub for healthcare, education, energy, infrastructure and investment.
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