24,000 women will be provided interest free loans in G-B

CM, governor decide to tackle power crisis in first meeting

GILGIT:

More than 24,000 women in Gilgit-Baltistan will be provided with interest-free loans. This was said at a gathering in Gilgit by Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Chairperson Marvi Memon on Monday.

Memon said women empowerment is one of the top priorities of the present government. “The current government has launched mega projects for the welfare of people and women will be encouraged to take part in the decision-making process,” Memon said.



BISP spokesperson, who is on an official visit to G-B, praised the performance of Chief Minister Hafeezur Rahman and said he was committed to alleviating the suffering of the people of the region.

Memon also said G-B’s constitutional status would be settled as per the wishes of the people. “Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has constituted a powerful committee which is working diligently to formulate and suggest ways to settle the issue,” she added.



Unity in action

Rahman and G-B Governor Mir Ghazanfar met in Islamabad and vowed to work together for the prosperity of the region. This was stated in a press release issued from the governor office on Sunday.



This was the first meeting after Ghazanfar took charge of his office, replacing Barjees Tahir, who is also federal minister for G-B and Kashmir Affairs.

“Both the leaders discussed issues of mutual interest like power situation in the region and agreed on adopting a comprehensive strategy to end power crisis in the region,” the statement read.

The governor said the federal government would extend all-out support to G-B government to make China-Pakistan Economic Corridor a successful project. “CPEC will be a game-changer for the people of G-B,” the handout quoted the governor as saying. “But for that matter, peace and sectarian harmony is a prerequisite.” According to the document, Ghazanfar also said many job opportunities will open once the mega project is under way.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22^nd, 2015.