Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday, terming the development of Gilgit-Baltistan a priority of the federal government, said that special attention was being paid to improve infrastructure, communications, energy, education, health, and tourism sectors besides increasing employment opportunities in the region.
The prime minister, in a meeting with the newly-elected members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly belonging to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), who called on him here, said that the local economy would be further strengthened by utilizing the natural resources, tourist destinations, and mineral reserves of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Moreover, he said that providing quality education, modern technical training, and dignified employment to the youth was a key priority of the government, enabling them to play a role in national development.
He said that elected representatives served as a direct source of awareness of public expectations, problems, and priorities, and emphasised that, regardless of political affiliations, the sole purpose of leadership must be public service and creating ease in people’s lives.
Appreciating the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for practically proving their love, loyalty, and national unity with Pakistan, the prime minister told the lawmakers that the construction of four Daanish Schools in the region was in the final stage, and classes would commence there from next year.
Additionally, he said that the work was underway at a rapid pace on a solar power project of 100 megawatts and assured that the federal government was utilizing all available resources to ensure the timely completion of ongoing development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that an early warning system for climate change and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) had been installed in Gilgit-Baltistan to provide timely information to the residents and help them cope with adverse situations caused by weather conditions. He said that effective communication between the federal government and local leadership was indispensable for resolving public issues, and ensuring better governance, and promoting transparency.
Assuring the delegation of considering their suggestions, the prime minister said that the government would work in coordination with them for the welfare of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He also urged the parliamentarians to play a constructive role, expressing the hope that through collective efforts, Gilgit-Baltistan would achieve immense development and prosperity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the formation of a committee, to be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, which will review the actionable proposals presented by the lawmakers and submit a report. Other members of the committee include Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam and Advisor to PM on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah.
Separately, Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism and reiterated its strong and unwavering support for the central role of the United Nations in global affairs.
The prime minister, in a meeting with candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations Macky Sall, who called on him here, expressed the hope that the incoming UN leadership would continue to advance the three pillars of the United Nations-peace and security, development, and human rights-in a balanced and effective manner.
Macky Sall expressed his deep appreciation for Pakistan’s longstanding contributions to the United Nations and commended the country’s leadership for playing a constructive role in ongoing international peace efforts.