ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized on Wednesday that the federal government is committed to supporting the people of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). The region’s development is among the government’s top priorities.
PM Shehbaz chaired a special meeting of the GB cabinet during his daylong visit to Gilgit. He was accompanied by several federal ministers, including Ahsan Iqbal, Attaullah Tarar, Amir Muqam, and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. The visit focused on addressing regional needs and planning for further development in the area.
Power and Education Initiatives
During the meeting, the prime minister announced an immediate allocation of 100 megawatts of power for the region. Additionally, he allocated Rs1 billion for a merit-based endowment fund aimed at supporting students from Baltistan University and Karakoram University. These steps are expected to improve local infrastructure and access to education.
PM Shehbaz also expressed satisfaction over the timely completion of the Bubar Model Village housing project, which was set up for those displaced by the 2022 floods. He had previously inaugurated the project and praised its success.
Development Plans for Ghizer District
The prime minister directed the GB administration to prioritize the development of key infrastructure in Ghizer district. This includes educational institutions, sports facilities, and power transmission systems. He also announced the establishment of Daanish Schools in GB, modeled after those in Punjab, to improve educational standards.
Federal Support for Gilgit-Baltistan’s Economy
Reflecting on his tenure as Punjab chief minister, PM Shehbaz highlighted his government’s Rs1 billion contribution to the education sector in GB. He stressed the importance of federal-provincial cooperation in achieving economic stability and development.
The prime minister also shared positive economic news, noting that the stock exchange had crossed the 92,000 mark. Rising remittances, more tax return filers, and a reduction in inflation were mentioned as contributing factors to the national economy’s improvement.
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Set for Historic Flyby
Cooperation and Investment Opportunities
PM Shehbaz praised the collective efforts of all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan in advancing national progress. He also acknowledged the Qatari government’s interest in investing in GB’s tourism sector, which could provide a significant boost to the region’s economy.
Inauguration of Homes for Flood Victims
Earlier in the day, PM Shehbaz inaugurated new homes for the victims of the 2022 floods in Bubar village, located in Ghizer district. He recalled the devastation he witnessed during his last visit and expressed satisfaction with the new housing. However, he recommended third-party validation to ensure that quality standards were met in the construction.
The prime minister also instructed local authorities to begin work on a school, playground, and dispensary equipped with essential medical facilities, such as ultrasound and X-ray machines. He emphasized the importance of ensuring proper construction, including installing chimneys in the new homes to protect residents from smoke exposure.
Regional Engagement and Security Reassurance
Later, PM Shehbaz met with Governor Syed Mehdi Shah to discuss regional matters. Chief Minister Gulbar Khan presented the prime minister with traditional Balti robes and a cap. PM Shehbaz also laid a floral wreath and offered prayers at the Yadgar-i-Shuhada in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
In a separate visit to the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, the prime minister condemned the recent firing incident in Karachi, in which two Chinese nationals were injured. He assured that those responsible for the attack would face exemplary punishment.
Follow Day News on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates