GILGIT: Minister for Works Gilgit Baltistan Dr Muhammad Iqbal on Friday said that the government was pursuing a comprehensive development plan for socio-economic uplift of the region.
Talking to journalists on the occasion of inauguration ceremony of Park-link road, the GB minister said the Gilgit Baltistan did not progress over the last 70 years as it witnessed a number of development initiatives during the tenure of the present government.
He said the past governments paid no heed to the development of Gilgit Baltistsan but the PML (N) government was giving priority to the development of the area, launching several projects. He said GB government was focusing on improvement of roads infrastructure and funds were enhanced to Rs 300 for uplift of this sector.
He directed the works department to speed up work on the ongoing development projects including the Park-link road and complete it within scheduled timeframe. He said last year Rs 150 million were allocated for this project, but the cost was revised to Rs 300 million due to poor sewerage system.
He said gone were the days when people would hesitate to visit Gilgit Baltistan for being poor law and order situation there. Now he added durable peace had been restored and issues stood resolved for tourists.
He said owing peaceful and conducive environment more tourists including foreigners were expected to come this year. He said that PML(N) government was focusing on development of all districts indiscriminately and providing funds accordingly.
Soon, he said big bridges would be inaugurated in Gilgit Baltisan to facilitate masses who put confidence in the leadership of the PML(N) during last general elections. He said work on Gilgit-Nalthar road would soon be started; adding Astore road would be timely completed.
He said that former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was taking keen interest in the development of Gilgit Baltistan. He said that supply from the 18 megawatt Nalthar power house which was damaged by landslide would soon started, adding work on its rehabilitation had been sped up.
Published in Daily Times, April 21st 2018.
