ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday finally announced the historic five-year development package worth Rs370 billion for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) during his visit to Gilgit.
After inauguration of some projects of Special Communication Organization (SCO) in Gilgit, the prime minister said that the government was starting with a package of Rs370 billion to be spent over five years and that never before had such an amount been spent in the area. “We will keep helping you,” he added.
Earlier he had approved the major uplift project for GB which was prepared by the Ministry of Planning and Development in coordination with the government of GB and other ministries. Though majority of the projects included in the package are those announced by previous governments but they have previously been in papers only.
According to an official source, an apex committee constituted to finalise this package, had proposed at least 57 development projects in the five-year development plan (2021-26), which included earlier approved projects, some ongoing projects and some new projects — to be funded by the Centre as well as through public-private partnership (PPP).
As per documents available with this scribe, the Rs370 billion development plan includes PSDP funding of Rs275 billion in three years with an average Rs55 billion per year. At least 18 new PSDP projects are included in the package with the cost of Rs130 billion. Whereas 11 ongoing projects of PSDP of Rs31.2 billion are also included in the package. Besides, at least 2,114 ongoing projects of Annual Development Programme (ADP) of GB worth Rs113 billion are also included in the development package.
The historic programme also includes 11 non-PSDP projects worth Rs4.81 billion. Apart from the government funded projects under this plan, at least 12 projects worth Rs90.1 billion would be completed through private investment (PPP model).
Sharing the details Asad, who also accompanied the premier, said that nine electricity projects with a capacity of 250 megawatt would be added which were all hydel and clean energy projects. “A local distribution grid is being spread so that electricity can be provided reliably,” Asad said, adding that Rs140 billion were just for the electricity projects.
The federal minister stated that five road projects worth Rs35 billion would also be carried out. For tourism, skills development and training related to tourism, Rs6 billion have been allocated, while Rs17 billion will be spent on projects relating to health and education initiatives.
Asad stated that two big water projects of Rs8.5 billion would also be launched: a water supply scheme for GB and a sewage and sanitation scheme for Skardu. He further pointed out various projects such as incubation centres for promoting business and entrepreneurship, flood protection structures, enhancement of biodiversity and aqua systems, network expansion of 3G and 4G services and 25 small and medium-scale industrial units to add value to agricultural output.
As per documents, Rs5.3 billion have been allocated for Shagarthang-Gorikot road which would connect Baltistan region with Diamer district. Rs3.2 billion would be spent on Darel-Tangir Expressway and Rs5 billion are allocated for Shigar-Paiu road. Rs17 billion have been approved for Astore Valley Road from Thalichi to Shounter. Another major road under the package is Shara-e-Nagar at the cost of Rs4.5 billion. Â
Apart from these projects two mega transport projects regional connectivity, including Gilgit Shandur (Rs50 billion) and Shounter Tunnel project, have also been included in the package to be funded under the umbrella of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Similarly the projects included in the Rs140 billion allocation for clean energy include Attabad Hydro project (50 MW), Sadpara power project (17.4 MW), Ghowari Power project (30 MW), KIU Power Project (100 MW), Sharkoi Project (15 MW), Golodas Ghizer project (15 MW), HPP Juglot (10 MW, Tormik project (10 MW), HPP Hunza project (2.8 MW) and Regional Grid Phase-II.
In the tourism sector Rs6 billion would be spent on construction of hotel management and hospitality management institute in Skardu, adventure sports/rock climbing and mountaineering institute in Hunza, trail and tracks in 10 districts, ecotourism facilities, tourism projects in PPP mode and greater water supply scheme for Hunza.
Under the package an integrated water supply scheme has also been approved for Gilgit city at the cost of Rs4 billion. Similarly a sanitation and sewerage project would be completed at the cost of Rs4.5 billion in Skardu city. Rs1 billion have been fixed for women development and poverty alleviation programme.
Besides Rs550 million are allocated for IT related training programs and establishment of centers. Through the uplift package LPG air mix plants would be installed in Skardu, Chilas and Hunza at the cost of Rs500 million. To have oil storage in the area a bulk oil depot at Skardu would also be established at the cost of Rs200 million.
Rs3.56 billion have been fixed for five different projects related to disaster management in GB. In the health sector some government hospitals would be upgraded and medical colleges, as announced earlier would also be funded through the package.
The prime minister, while addressing a gathering in Gilgit, said that he had been waiting a “long time” to bring such a package for GB “which could bring development in actual terms to the region”.
He said that at the moment, Pakistan did not have enough resources — which he hoped it would have in the future — and there was demand from people all over Pakistan for money and government help so despite all that, “bringing a package like this I think is a very big achievement for Pakistan and GB”.
The prime minister recalled that he had an early association with GB since his school days and that the beauty of the region was untapped and unknown, even among Pakistanis. “Since our government came, it was our decision to bring up the potential of this region.”
Prime Minister Imran elaborated on the projects under the development package and said that they would constitute hydel power generation and local distribution networks, improving tourism connectivity such as development of the Babusar Tunnel, skills training and scholarships for the youth and upgradation of health services.
He added that water, sewerage and sanitation systems would be improved and “there was great need” for them in Skardu and GB due to their rapid expansion. Regarding industrialisation in the region, he said that small and medium-scale industries would be successful such as food processing for fruits like apricots.
“The expansion of your infrastructure and expanding your airports,” the prime minister said, would also be a part of the package, specifically pointing to Skardu Airport which would cater to international flights now as well.
The prime minister also stressed the importance of developing facilities for tourism in the region. He said the “real potential” of the region lay in tourism.
 Promotion of tourism would bring benefits for both GB and Pakistan, said the premier, with employment and prosperity for the former and foreign exchange for the latter.
“This package we have brought, this is not just for your benefit and improvement. We have brought it for all of Pakistan because the whole country will benefit,” he said.
He predicted that if tourism was handled properly in GB, it would no longer have to ask for funds from the Centre. Rather, it would be the other way around.
“You have to work for your tourism industry in a very planned way if you don’t do this correctly, then tourists won’t come,” the prime minister urged, pointing to potential pitfalls such as lack of town planning, inadequate sanitation and deficient environmental protection.
The premier said that the region had a good community system and therefore it would be very easy to ensure compliance with bylaws, maintain sanitation and protection of areas for tourism. The local government elections, he added, would help to make a system that could “protect the whole area”.
Prime Minister Imran also stated that when he used to visit the region in the past, there seemed to be an impression among the people that they were not believed to be capable of managing their own affairs and were not empowered to take decisions for themselves.
He added that his government had taken steps to provide provisional provincial status to GB so that the local people would have the authority to make decisions. “How can decisions be made [for this area] sitting in Islamabad?”
