Govt committed to uplift of Gilgit-Baltistan: Prime Minister Abbasi

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday said that the government is 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 the 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 energy 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 at present. Work on the establishment of regional power grid was underway, he informed the prime minister.

The chief minister said the two proposed power projects of total 180 MW 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 increase flight PIA flight operation to Gilgit would encourage tourism.

He also apprised the prime minister about the progress on various landmark projects including the establishment of a cancer hospital, medical college and cardiology centre for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs Chaudhry Barjees Tahir, Planning Deputy Chairman Sartaj Aziz and senior government officials were also present during the meeting.

Courtesy: Pakistan Today