ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to the development of Gilgit-Baltistan, saying the region remains a national priority with major investments underway to improve infrastructure, energy, education, healthcare, tourism and employment opportunities.
The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with newly elected Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, who called on him in Islamabad.
He said the government was pursuing a comprehensive development agenda aimed at strengthening the region’s economy by harnessing Gilgit-Baltistan’s vast natural resources, tourism potential and mineral wealth.
Shehbaz Sharif stressed that providing quality education, modern technical training and dignified employment opportunities for young people remained a key government priority to enable them to contribute to Pakistan’s economic development.
The prime minister said elected representatives serve as a vital link between the government and the public by highlighting people’s concerns and development priorities, adding that public service should remain the foremost objective of political leadership regardless of party affiliation.
He also praised the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for their patriotism and commitment to national unity, saying the construction of four Daanish Schools in the region is nearing completion and academic activities are expected to begin next year.
Highlighting ongoing development projects, the prime minister said work on the 100-megawatt solar energy project in Gilgit-Baltistan is progressing rapidly, with the federal government committed to ensuring its timely completion through the provision of all necessary resources.
Addressing climate-related challenges, Shehbaz Sharif said an early warning system for climate change and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) has been installed in Gilgit-Baltistan to provide timely alerts and help communities respond effectively to weather-related disasters.
He emphasized that close coordination between the federal government and local leadership is essential for resolving public issues, improving governance and ensuring transparency in development initiatives.
The prime minister assured the delegation that their proposals would be given due consideration and said the federal government would continue working closely with local representatives to promote the welfare and sustainable development of Gilgit-Baltistan.
To review the proposals presented by the lawmakers, Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the formation of a high-level committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The committee will also include Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah, and will submit recommendations after evaluating the proposed development initiatives.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Minister Amir Muqam, and Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah.
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