GILGIT: Prime Minister Imran Khan has unveiled a historic development package worth Rs370 billion for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) on Friday.
Addressing at a ceremony in Gilgit on Friday, PM Imran pointed out that the development package will help people, tourists and boost tourism in the region. He said that for the first time a huge amount has been allocated for the uplift of this striking and strategically located region of the country.
The uplift package includes hydel power generation and transmission projects, connectivity projects for tourism, youth skill, and scholarship program, up-gradation of the health system,s and water, and sanitation schemes, he maintained.
PM Imran said the government will also support the development of small and medium enterprises in the region in addition to focusing on the expansion of its infrastructure and transportation systems.
“The PTI government is also working on a policy to commence international flight operations in the region,” he said. The premier said tourism in the region should not affect the natural beauty of the region, including the forests and mountains.
He reaffirmed his commitment to transform the country by ending corruption and corrupt elements in the country. The prime minister said it is for the first time that big personalities involved in corruption are being held accountable. He said the people who stole the country’s money are the biggest traitors and they should be treated that way too.
PM Imran elaborated on the development projects under the development package and said they would constitute hydel power generation and local distribution networks, improving tourism connectivity such as the development of the Babusar Tunnel, skills training and scholarships for the youth and up-gradation of health services.
The prime minister said the GB CM is capable and doesn’t need to take dictation from Islamabad. He was of the view that the region could become a big economic boon for all of Pakistan if it is given priority and equipped with essential services and infrastructure. The PM said the region attracted about 20,000 tourists in 2005-06 but the number crossed one million last year.
