PM pledges sustained development drive in GB, AJK

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed that a 100-megawatt solar project be completed by the middle of next year as he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several development schemes in Gilgit during a one-day official visit to Gilgit-Baltistan.

On his arrival in Gilgit, the prime minister was received by Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Yaar Muhammad. He later addressed a ceremony in the region, where he reiterated his commitment to the development of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The prime minister said the federal government would provide all required resources to resolve the issues facing Gilgit-Baltistan. He also said four Daanish schools were being set up in the region and added that these institutions would offer free education, meals and uniforms. He further said the schools would be equipped with smart boards and e-libraries.

Referring to support extended to young people under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Shehbaz Sharif said laptops as well as business and agriculture loan cheques had been distributed on merit. He said the laptops were a recognition of the students’ hard work in education.

Meetings on development and governance

During the visit, the prime minister held separate meetings with Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and caretaker Chief Minister Yaar Muhammad. The discussions covered progress on ongoing development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan, the law and order situation, and other administrative matters related to the region.

The visit formed part of the federal government’s engagement with Gilgit-Baltistan on development planning and governance issues.

Comments on regional situation

Speaking about the wider regional situation, the prime minister said Pakistan had played a pivotal role in brokering a ceasefire between the United States and Iran. He expressed confidence that the role played by Pakistan would be remembered in history.

The prime minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Awais Leghari, Attaullah Tarar, Engineer Amir Muqam, Abdul Aleem Khan and Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, and Special Assistant Talha Burki.

The visit included the inauguration and groundbreaking of multiple development projects, with the prime minister using the occasion to underline the federal government’s stated focus on addressing regional needs in Gilgit-Baltistan and extending support for long-term development in the area as well as in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.