Introduction
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the federal government’s commitment to the development of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), marking it as one of the country’s top priorities. During his day-long visit to the region, the Prime Minister announced multiple initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life and infrastructure for the people of GB. These efforts include a significant power supply allocation, funding for higher education, and the launch of housing and development projects for flood victims. This article provides a detailed overview of the various announcements and initiatives made by the Prime Minister to strengthen the socio-economic landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Key Announcements for Gilgit-Baltistan
100 Megawatts of Power Allocation
In a major step to address the region’s energy challenges, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the allocation of 100 megawatts of electricity for Gilgit-Baltistan. This announcement aims to meet the growing power demands of the region and support its economic growth. The new power supply is expected to positively impact industries, education, and healthcare facilities, contributing to the overall development of the area.
Rs1 Billion Merit-Based Endowment Fund for Students
Education has always been a priority for the Prime Minister, and during his visit, he made an important announcement for students in Gilgit-Baltistan. Shehbaz Sharif revealed the creation of a Rs1 billion merit-based endowment fund for students at Baltistan University and Karakoram University. This initiative aims to provide financial support to deserving students, enabling them to pursue higher education without financial constraints. It is an investment in the future of the region, ensuring that young people have the opportunity to succeed academically.
Completion of Bubar Model Village for Flood Victims
A crucial development in Gilgit-Baltistan’s recovery from the devastating 2022 floods was the completion of the Bubar Model Village housing project. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his satisfaction with the timely completion of the housing units, which were inaugurated earlier by him. These homes are designed to provide flood victims with a safe and sustainable living environment. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of third-party validation to ensure the construction quality meets the highest standards.
Expansion of Infrastructure and Educational Facilities
During the meeting with the GB cabinet, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the local administration to focus on the development of educational institutions, sports facilities, and power transmission infrastructure in the Ghizer district. He also announced the establishment of Daanish Schools, which will be modeled after similar schools in Punjab. These schools are designed to provide quality education and uplift the region’s youth, contributing to long-term social and economic progress.
Focus on Federal-Provincial Cooperation
Importance of Federal Support
The Prime Minister highlighted that the development of Gilgit-Baltistan could not be achieved without strong federal-provincial cooperation. He cited his tenure as Punjab’s Chief Minister, where his government had contributed Rs1 billion to the education sector in the region. This cooperation ensures that Gilgit-Baltistan receives the necessary support for infrastructure, education, and economic development.
The Role of the Stock Exchange and Economic Growth
Shehbaz Sharif also provided updates on the national economy, noting that the stock exchange had crossed the 92,000 mark. He mentioned the rising remittances, an increase in tax return filers, and a reduction in inflation as contributing factors to the country’s improving economic outlook. This positive economic trajectory is expected to further benefit regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, where development projects can thrive in a stable financial environment.
Investment in Tourism Sector
Another key area of focus for the federal government is the promotion of tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan. The Prime Minister revealed that the Qatari government had shown interest in investing in the tourism sector in the region. This potential investment could create new economic opportunities, boosting employment and providing sustainable sources of income for local communities.
Inauguration of New Homes for Flood Victims
Housing for Displaced People
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated new homes for the victims of the 2022 floods in the Buber village of Ghizer district. He recalled his previous visit to the area, where he had witnessed the devastation caused by the floods. The new housing units are part of a larger initiative to provide displaced families with permanent homes and a better quality of life.
Recommendations for Improved Construction
While the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the new homes, he also recommended that the local administration conduct third-party validation of the construction quality to ensure that it meets international standards. He also directed that chimneys be installed in the homes to safeguard residents from smoke exposure, ensuring that the new houses are not only functional but also safe for the families living in them.
Construction of School, Playground, and Dispensary
The Prime Minister also gave instructions for the immediate construction of a school, playground, and dispensary in Buber village. These essential facilities will greatly enhance the living conditions of the community, providing access to education, recreation, and basic healthcare. The dispensary will be equipped with essential medical facilities, including ultrasound and X-ray machines, to address the healthcare needs of the local population.
PM Shehbaz Meets with Chinese Ambassador to Ensure Security
Condemnation of Karachi Attack on Chinese Nationals
In a separate engagement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad to condemn the recent attack on Chinese nationals in Karachi. Two Chinese nationals were injured in a firing incident on Tuesday, prompting concerns about the safety of Chinese citizens in Pakistan. The Prime Minister reassured the Chinese Ambassador, Jiang Zaidong, that Pakistan is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals.
Assurance of Justice for the Injured
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif assured the Chinese Ambassador that the Pakistani government would ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible for the attack. He expressed concern over the incident and informed the Ambassador that the best medical care was being provided to the injured, whose condition is reportedly improving.
Reaffirmation of Strong Bilateral Relations
The Prime Minister reiterated that Pakistan and China share a strong and trusted relationship, which will not be weakened by such isolated incidents. He described the attack as a “desperate attempt” to strain the relations between the two countries and emphasized that the attack would not succeed in harming the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Gilgit-Baltistan and his announcements reflect his government’s strong commitment to the region’s development. The initiatives for power supply, education, housing, and healthcare are designed to uplift the lives of the people in Gilgit-Baltistan, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity. The government’s focus on collaboration between the federal and provincial levels and the involvement of international partners like Qatar further strengthens the prospects for economic growth in the region. At the same time, the Prime Minister’s visit to the Chinese Embassy reassures China of Pakistan’s commitment to the safety of its citizens, reaffirming the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
FAQs
What is the 100 MW power supply allocation for Gilgit-Baltistan?
The Prime Minister has announced an immediate allocation of 100 megawatts of power for Gilgit-Baltistan to meet the region’s growing energy demands and support its development.
What is the Rs1 billion merit-based endowment fund?
The Prime Minister announced the creation of a Rs1 billion merit-based endowment fund to support students at Baltistan University and Karakoram University, ensuring that deserving students have access to higher education.
How will the new housing project benefit flood victims?
The Bubar Model Village housing project provides permanent homes for families displaced by the 2022 floods, improving their living conditions and ensuring a stable environment for recovery.
What new facilities will be constructed in Buber village?
The Prime Minister has ordered the construction of a school, playground, and dispensary in Buber village to enhance the quality of life for the local population and provide essential services.
How is Pakistan ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals?
After the attack on Chinese nationals in Karachi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reassured China of Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring security and justice, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Chinese citizens in the country.
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