ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has stressed the need for steps to promote local businesses and economic activities to make Gilgit Baltistan (GB) self-sufficient as well as for inclusive and sustainable development in the area.
The president, in a meeting with GB Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Gul Bar Khan, who called on him here, said the GB had enormous hydroelectric potential that needed to be capitalized for its development.
He said that GB was blessed with abundant natural resources, including mining, gems, and minerals, and called for their full exploration and development to bring economic prosperity to the area.During the meeting, the GB governor and chief minister informed the president about the development projects being undertaken by the GB government.
They also apprised President Zardari of various issues facing the GB people, particularly the lack of education and health facilities, and unemployment.They also requested the president to visit GB and address the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.
Emphasizing the constitutional reforms, the GB governor also pointed out the issues facing the universities and requested for president’s special attention for their resolution.President Zardari underlined the need to initiate programs for the training and skill development of GB’s youth to equip them with employable skills as per market demand.
He called for accelerating infrastructure development in GB as well as focusing on strengthening the education and health sectors to bring it at par with other developed areas of the country.
He said that GB was blessed with abundant natural resources, including mining, gems, and minerals, and called for their full exploration and development to bring economic prosperity to the area. During the meeting, the GB governor and chief minister informed the president about the development projects being undertaken by the GB government.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan has directed authorities to take immediate measures to restore inter-provincial and connecting roads damaged by recent rains and snowfall in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Chief Minister also ordered the safe evacuation of stranded passengers on the Karakoram Highway and Gilgit Skardu High way, which has been closed due to landslides at various points.Gilgit-Skardu Road has been closed due to similar reasons.
Heavy rains and snowfall have been ongoing in Gilgit-Baltistan since Sunday night, affecting the transportation system and daily life.Authorities say work on opening the closed roads will begin after the rains subside.
So far, no reports of human or financial losses have been received from any part of Gilgit-Baltistan. However, the district administration of Gilgit has warned travelers to exercise caution and avoid traveling until Tuesday morning.
