PM forms committee to review PML-N lawmakers’ proposals for Gilgit-Baltistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed the formation of a committee to examine proposals put forward by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz lawmakers from Gilgit-Baltistan, saying close coordination between the federal government and the region’s leadership was essential for addressing public issues and improving governance.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the prime minister gave the direction during a meeting in Islamabad with PML-N members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Amir Muqam, and the prime minister’s adviser on political affairs Rana Sanaullah also attended the meeting.

The PMO quoted the prime minister as saying that Gilgit-Baltistan’s development remained one of the federal government’s foremost priorities. He said engagement with elected representatives from the region provided the government with direct understanding of the public’s expectations, concerns and priorities. He also said public service should remain the central objective irrespective of party affiliation.

Shehbaz Sharif stressed that effective communication between the Centre and local leadership was indispensable for resolving people’s problems, strengthening governance and promoting transparency. He urged assembly members to play a constructive role alongside the leadership for the welfare of the region.

The prime minister said the lawmakers’ recommendations were important for the government and ordered that a committee be set up to review them and submit a report. According to the PMO statement, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will head the committee, while Amir Muqam and Rana Sanaullah will serve as members.

Development priorities highlighted

The statement said the prime minister highlighted the government’s focus on infrastructure, communications, energy, education, health, tourism and employment opportunities in Gilgit-Baltistan. He said the region’s natural resources and tourist destinations would be utilised to support the local economy.

He also described quality education, modern technical training and respectable employment opportunities for young people in the region as a key government priority so they could contribute fully to national development. In this connection, he said four cadet schools were nearing completion and were expected to start classes next year.

According to the PMO, the prime minister also referred to work moving ahead rapidly on a project aimed at generating 100 megawatts of electricity through solar energy. He said all available resources were being used to ensure the timely completion of development schemes in the region.

The statement further said an early warning system related to climate change and glaciers had been installed in Gilgit-Baltistan to alert local communities in time about disasters and help counter adverse weather conditions.

Last month, the Pakistan Peoples Party announced it would form a government in Gilgit-Baltistan with the support of the PML-N, reflecting the arrangement in place at the federal level.