ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a committee to address the long-standing issues facing Gilgit-Baltistan.According to a notification from the PM’s Office, the committee will submit its report for the perusal of the premier within 30 days.
The committee which is composed of nine members will draw four federal ministers and three provincial ministers as its members. Gilgit-Baltistan Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Fathullah Khan and the GB chief secretary are also part of the committee.
As per the notification, the committee will formulate a comprehensive strategy to overcome the power crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan, including assessing the feasibility for establishment of four additional districts (Darel, Tangir, Rondu, Gupis/Yaseen) in Gilgit-Baltistan and provide viable recommendations.
The committee will provide an implementation plan to overcome electricity crisis in the region. The committee aims to consider and recommend a long-term sustainable plan for wheat subsidy which may include wheat price rationalisation and targeted subsidy.
The notification states that the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan will provide the secretarial support to the committee.
Meanwhile, Aleem Khan said that the Manshera to Gilgit-Baltistan motorway will be a “game-changer” for the region. Aleem Khan reached Gilgit-Baltistan and held a meeting with Chief Minister Gulbar Khan.
During the meeting, discussions were held on various important issues, including the condition of the Karakoram Highway and the new projects for tunnels.
Aleem Khan said: “The transportation issues will be resolved. I will work to represent Gilgit-Baltistan as its ambassador. Gilgit-Baltistan is our home, and we will build a motorway from Mansehra to Gilgit-Baltistan, which will be a game-changer”.
Believing that improving the roads can change the destiny of the region, Aleem Khan said: “Millions of tourists will flock here.” He said: “Motorway police will be deployed in Gilgit-Baltistan, and efforts will be made to further improve the Karakoram Highway and Skardu Road.”
Meanwhile, the GB chief minister stressed the need to further improve the condition of the Karakoram Highway and the Skardu Road. “The appointment of motorway police is essential to control the increasing accidents on the Karakoram Highway,” he added.
Earlier, Abdul Aleem Khan inspected the damage caused by landslides on the main highway connecting to Gilgit and Skardu. The minister reviewed the current situation along with Director General of Frontier Works Organisation Major General Abdul Sami and Federal Secretary Communications Ali Sher Mehsud. He directed that more attention should be given to the main highway connecting Gilgit and Skardu.
Abdul Aleem Khan further said that all possible measures should be taken to prevent the fall of rocks and mud and to protect lives and properties. The minister asked FWO to ensure extensive survey of these highways with heavy machinery to take immediate steps. He said that in case of any untoward incident maximum relief may be given in minimum possible time with adequate measures.
