Govt committed to uplift of Gilgit-Baltistan: PM
ISLAMABAD, (MILLAT ONLINE):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Thursday said the government was committed to the socio-economic empowerment and uplift of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Talking to Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman here at PM Office, he said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would create new economic opportunities for the people of the region.
The prime minister assured the chief minister that all proposed projects relating to Gilgit-Baltistan, under the CPEC portfolio, would be pursued for their early finalization and implementation. Dir-Chitral CPEC Link Road project was being accorded priority, he added.
The chief minister briefed the prime minister about various development projects including some landmark projects under the umbrella of CPEC.
About power situation in Gilgit-Baltistan, he said the government during past two years had added 54 MW to the existing 82 MW power which was being produced in the area for last 70 years.
He informed that recovery situation of power dues had also witnessed significant improvement and stood at around 80 percent recoveries at present. Work on establishment of regional power grid was underway, he added.
The chief minister said the two proposed power projects of 180 MW capacity under CPEC project would be instrumental in meeting the energy requirements of the region.
He also briefed about the efforts of Gilgit-Baltistan government to promote tourism in the region and said an increase in PIA flights to Gilgit would encourage tourism.
He also apprised the prime minister about the progress on various landmark projects including establishment of a cancer hospital, medical college and cardiology centre for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Minister for Kashmir Affairs Chaudhry Muhammad Barjees Tahir, Deputy Chairman Planning Sartaj Aziz and senior government officials were present during the meeting.