'Peshawar-DI Khan Expressway promises uplift of southern districts'.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN -- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan on Thursday said the proposed 380 kilometres long Peshawar-Dera Ismail Khan Expressway would usher in a new era of development and prosperity in the southern districts of the province.

Talking to reporters during a daylong visit to the district, Mr Mahmood said the completion of the Chashma Right Bank Canal project, which was also part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor initiative, would boost the agricultural produce in southern districts and thus, making them self-sufficient.

He said the CRBC's completion was likely to cost Rs120 billion.

The chief minister said the ruling PTI was focusing on development of the province unlike the so-called national leaders, who brought zero development to the southern districts.

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He said all development projects launched by the PTI government would be completed during its tenure.

Mr Mahmood said sustainable development of merged districts was the top priority of his government.

Accompanied by federal minister Ali Amin Gandapur, MNA Yaqoob Sheik, adviser on merged districts Ajmal Wazir and other local representatives, the chief minister announced several development initiatives for the district and tehsil status for Paniala area and inaugurated work on the Gomal University's Paharphur campus and the Agriculture University, Dera Ismail Khan.

He also opened the newly-constructed sports hostel and offices for coaches at the Dera Sports Complex.

The project has been constructed at a cost of Rs64.158 million and covers an area of 20,000 square feet with 25 rooms having the capacity to accommodate 100 players at a time.

Mr Mahmood also inaugurated departments and office buildings of district compound Darzinda for...