By Muhammad Rehan
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A grand reception was organized by the Central Traders Association in honor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, where he announced a series of development initiatives aimed at improving public services, infrastructure and economic opportunities in Dera Ismail Khan.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Kundi said four new NADRA offices would be established in the district, while passport counters would also be introduced at NADRA centers to provide multiple services under one roof. He noted that offices had already been set up in Panyala, Kadri Khesoor and other areas.
The governor said efforts were underway to restore operations at Dera Ismail Khan Airport, adding that discussions would be held with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif regarding runway rehabilitation and the launch of ATR flights through a new airline. He also revealed that the Greenfield Airport project, spread over 1,600 acres, was awaiting approval from the Pakistan Aviation Authority and would become one of the country’s major airports.
Kundi said tenders for the Dera Ismail Khan–Dera Ghazi Khan two-lane road project had been completed with support from the Asian Development Bank. He added that the D.I. Khan Grid Station-II and Band Kurai Grid Station projects were nearing completion, with the latter expected to be inaugurated before Muharram.
Highlighting agricultural development, the governor expressed optimism about the early inauguration of the Chashma Lift Canal project, stating that the provincial government had shown willingness to provide 40 percent of the required funding. He emphasized that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had the potential to contribute significantly to the country’s wheat production if provided its due share of water resources.
The governor also shared plans for the establishment of an SIUT Hospital in D.I. Khan, saying land identification was currently in progress. He noted that memorandums of understanding had been signed with the Red Crescent, Sundas Foundation and Ittefaq Kidney Hospital to provide free healthcare facilities to deserving citizens.
Kundi said efforts were also being made to establish regional offices of federal and commercial institutions, including the Protector Office for Overseas Pakistanis and the Trade Development Authority. He stressed the need for a date processing plant in D.I. Khan to enhance the value of the district’s internationally recognized date production and reduce post-harvest losses.
The governor further disclosed that work was underway to establish a DHA in Dera Ismail Khan and announced plans for the launch of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Champion League, whose promotional campaign would begin soon.
Earlier, Central Traders Association President Sohail Ahmed Azmi, Patron-in-Chief Alhaji Kafeel Ahmed Nizami and political figure Alhaji Abdul Rashid Dhap welcomed the governor and praised his efforts for regional development and public welfare.
During the ceremony, Governor Kundi distributed certificates of appreciation among prominent business leaders and community representatives. The event was attended by traders, lawyers, agriculturists, political figures and members of civil society from across the district.
