GILGIT BALTISTAN: President Dr. Arif Alvi has said Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) is the shining face of Pakistan and the federal government was focusing on the development projects in the region as part of its tourism strategy.
Addressing the provincial cabinet members of GB Secretariat today, Dr. Arif Alvi said the federal government was firm to ensure uniform development of areas, including Gilgit Baltistan.
He said the government aims to preserve, protect and present the potential of the region to the world while seeking tourists’ attention towards the untouched beauty of the area.
The region would be developed at par with the rest of the country by exploiting its immense potential in tourism and investment in diverse sectors, he added. The President felicitated the newly formed government of GB and called the need for its active role for the prosperity of the area.
He said the serene areas of GB could attract domestic and international tourists, adding that the influx of two million tourists before COVID-19 to the area was quite welcoming.
Dr Alvi mentioned that Prime Minister Imran Khan was considering launching a project regarding the expansion of Gilgit Airport, a draft of which would also be shared with the GB government.
He said the federal government had initiated a welfare program for the uplift of the poor, besides disbursing Rs 2,000 per month among the disabled persons. The President said GB was rich in alternative energy resources including hydel and solar power generation.
He expressed satisfaction over the literacy rate in GB, which was better as compared to the rest of the country. Chief Minister GB Khalid Khursheed and secretaries concerned with the relevant departments including minerals, health and tourism gave an in-depth briefing to the President.
گلگت بلتستان میں پن بجلی کے علاوہ شمسی توانائی کے مواقع سے استفادہ کرنے کی ضرورت ہے، صدر عارف علوی
کوویڈ ۔19سے قبل گلگت بلتستان میں 20لاکھ سیاحوں کی آمد خوش آئند ہے، صدر عارف علوی
گلگت بلتستان میں دیگر علاقوں کی نسبت بہتر شرحِ تعلیم حوصلہ افزاء ہے، صدر عارف علوی pic.twitter.com/9WD3CQLFoy
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) January 26, 2021
