Fozia Azam

The government has so far released Rs494.97 million under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP 2022-23) against a total allocation of Rs2.4 billion for the aviation sector to execute 15 projects and schemes aimed at improving aviation services in the country. Out of the Rs494.97 million disbursements, around Rs366 million have been utilised on the projects during the five-month period (July-November) of the current fiscal year, according to official data available with WealthPK.

As per the PSDP documents, Rs2.3 billion were allocated for 10 ongoing schemes, out of which Rs60 million were meant for construction of Airport Security Force (ASF) camp at Islamabad International Airport; Rs29.8 million for building barracks for ASP personnel along with mess and allied facilities, ladies rest room, MT, store, Kote magazine, quarter guard and OC accommodation/room at Skardu airport; Rs4 million for  construction of accommodation for ASF personnel along with mess and allied facilities, MT, store, visitors room, ladies rest room, Kote magazine, quarter guard and OC accommodation/room at Chitral airport; Rs5 million for construction of double-storey barracks for ASF at Faisalabad airport; Rs5 million for construction of rainwater harvesting Kasana Dam at Islamabad International Airport; Rs25 million for installation of weather surveillance radar at Karachi airport; Rs580 million for installation of weather surveillance radar at Multan airport; Rs10 million for installation of weather surveillance radar at Sukkur; Rs2 billion for new Gwadar International Airport; Rs150 million for upgradation of ASF Academy, Karachi, and Rs15 million for upgradation of ASF Academy, Karachi (feasibility & supervision).

Similarly, Rs181 million has been earmarked for five new schemes,  out of which Rs61 million has been specified for construction of ASF accommodation at Turbat airport; Rs10 million for construction of Kote quarter guard and magazine at Panjgur airport; Rs5 million for establishment of basic aerodrome facilities in Mansehra; acquisition of land for construction of airport in Mansehra; Rs5 million for establishment of new meteorological observatory in Naran and hostel for operational staff in Balakot; Rs100 million for extension/upgradation of Bannu airport for A320/B737 or equivalent aircraft operation phase-I (land acquisition).

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk