DERA GHAZI KHAN: The divisional headquarters of Dera Ghazi Khan was once a hub of connectivity and economic activity in south Punjab.

Residents say the city now faces severe neglect, with infrastructure such as its railway station and airport lying dormant for years.

Talking to Dawn, traders said the closure of these facilities has isolated the region, hampering trade, travel and overall economic development. Local residents say that despite its abundance of natural resources, strategic location and rich cultural heritage, Dera Ghazi Khan faces the shortage of infrastructure and basic civic amenities.

The railway station, which once served as a crucial link to other parts of the country, has been non-functional for years. Similarly, the airport, once a key gateway for trade and connectivity, now sits idle, leaving residents and business owners lamenting the lack of reliable travel options.

Locals argue that the revival of these facilities should be a priority for policymakers, as their closure has had a profound negative impact on economic growth and daily life.

The Indus Highway and Dera-Quetta Road are both critical arteries that connect the district to other provinces. Poor maintenance of these roads has led to frequent accidents, delays and travel disruptions. Residents have long called for the conversion of these roads into dual carriage ways to improve safety and traffic flow, as well as the construction of a new bridge over the Indus River at Ghazi Ghat to ensure a smoother flow of inter-provincial traffic.

Within the city itself, traffic congestion and safety concerns are compounded by the lack of flyovers and traffic signals, particularly in densely populated areas. Encroachments on city roads also hinder movement and pose challenges for residents. Without proper traffic management and infrastructure upgrades, these issues are likely to worsen, impacting daily life and overall quality of living.

Residents say healthcare is another pressing concern for them. The district is facing an acute shortage of medical facilities, with existing hospitals such as Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital and the SFB Cardiology Institute struggling to meet the growing demand for healthcare services. Residents called for the establishment of more hospitals, including a dedicated cancer hospital, equipped with modern technology and specialised professionals to cater to the needs of the population.

In addition to healthcare, basic civic amenities such as clean drinking water, sewage systems and waste management are severely lacking. The Manika Canal and the western watercourse, which were once vital for environment of the city and gardens , have been converted into drains due to neglect. Activists demanded the restoration of these water courses to improve living conditions and ensure a healthier atmosphere for residents.

The district is rich in terms of resources. It has a river like the Indus, mountains, hill station Fort Munro, fertile lands and mineral deposits, but the district lacks an industrial zone, leaving local residents with limited employment opportunities. Activists and business owners believe that establishing industries in the district could stimulate economic growth, reduce unemployment, and help alleviate poverty.

Residents are also advocating for cultural and intellectual growth. There is a long-standing demand for the establishment of a Pak Tea House like hangout, where writers, poets, journalists and artists can gather to promote a culture of mutual dialogue. The construction of a public library is also seen as crucial for the literary development of the region.

Moreover, with rising concerns about safety and lawlessness, residents are calling for the city to be converted into a ‘safe city’ through the installation of CCTV cameras on all major roads and in markets. They also advocate for the installation of scanner gates at the entry points of the district to combat the growing smuggling of contraband.

Talking to Dawn, local MPA Hanif Pitafi said he is actively pursuing the approval of several mega projects, including the construction of a link road and a bridge over the River Indus to connect Dera Ghazi Khan with the M5 motorway via Kot Chutta to Shujaabad. Additionally, he announced plans for the establishment of a new district headquarters hospital and revealed that a new postgraduate college is set to be inaugurated in February 2025.

Commenting on the Punjab Intermediate Cities Improvement Investment Program (PICIIP), funded by the Asian Development Bank, he expressed concern over recent developments.

He stated that Dera Ghazi Khan was initially included in PICIIP phase-II, but now the funds are being redirected to Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur, relegating Dera Ghazi Khan to the third phase.

He said he was trying to restore the city’s position in phase two, along with an additional request to include a water supply component in the programme.

Published in Dawn, January 1st, 2025