PM Shehbaz Announces Major Initiatives for Gilgit-Baltistan’s Development
GILGIT / ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his one-day visit to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), chaired a special cabinet meeting, outlining a series of initiatives aimed at advancing the region’s development. The visit included announcements of substantial investments in energy, education, infrastructure, and social welfare.
PM Shehbaz unveiled a major boost to GB’s energy sector with the allocation of 100 megawatts of power, addressing the region’s longstanding energy shortages. In addition, he announced a Rs1 billion merit-based endowment fund aimed at supporting students from Baltistan University and Karakoram University, ensuring greater access to higher education.
Highlighting the importance of the region’s development, the prime minister expressed satisfaction over the timely completion of the Bubar Model Village, a housing project for the victims of the 2022 floods. He also instructed the local administration to expedite the development of essential facilities in the Ghizer district, including educational institutions, sports facilities, and power infrastructure. Furthermore, PM Shehbaz confirmed the establishment of Daanish Schools in GB, following a model similar to those in Punjab.
Reflecting on his tenure as Punjab’s chief minister, the premier emphasized the importance of federal-provincial cooperation and highlighted his government’s previous contributions to GB’s educational sector.
In a separate engagement, the prime minister inaugurated new homes for flood victims in Buber village and promised the construction of a school, playground, and dispensary with medical facilities. He urged that the housing quality be verified through third-party validation and instructed for chimneys to be added to the homes for residents’ health and safety.
Later, PM Shehbaz met with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong in Islamabad to offer condolences for the recent attack on two Chinese nationals in Karachi. The prime minister reassured the Chinese ambassador that Pakistan would take stringent measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in the country. He condemned the attack as an attempt to undermine the strong ties between Pakistan and China, vowing to hold the perpetrators accountable and provide exemplary punishment.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to its partnership with China, emphasizing the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects for both nations. He assured the ambassador that the injured Chinese nationals were receiving the best medical treatment.
The prime minister’s visit underscored his commitment to addressing key challenges in Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as strengthening Pakistan’s relations with China.
