PM for improving connectivity in G-B

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the federal government is committed to developing the Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) region and the development package recently approved for the areas by the PTI government is a testimony to it.

“In order to realise the potential of the youth and to promote tourism in the area, it is necessary to ensure availability of 3-G and 4-G internet in the G-B,” Imran Khan said on Friday while chairing a meeting that discussed measures to improve the communication network in northern areas.

“High speed internet is necessary for online education [which is becoming a norm after the advent of the coronavirus disease],” the PM was quoted as saying by sources who attended the meeting.

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and G-B Ali Amin Gandapur, Federal Minister for Information Technology Aminul Haq and G-B Chief Minister Muhammad Khalid Khurshid were among those who attended the meeting.

The meeting discussed various projects undertaken to improve communication and internet facilities in the region which rests at a very high altitude and has one of the tallest mountains in the world.

Addressing the participants, the premier said the government is committed to the development of the G-B. “The government has approved a historic package for the G-B. This package will usher in a new era of progress in the region,” he said.

Also read: G-B provincial status

PM Imran claimed that unlike the past governments, the incumbent government has laid special emphasis on improving connectivity in the mountainous region. “250% increase in the funds allocated for the communication network is testimony to this commitment,” he added.

The premier instructed the Federal Ministry for Information Technology, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Special Communications Organization (SCO) to continue their efforts to improve connectivity in the G-B.

The prime minister on March 31 approved a “historic” multi-billion development package for the G-B while pledging that development of the region is among the priorities of his government.

The uplift package was approved in a meeting on development of the G-B presided over by the prime minister. The government had not revealed details of the package which according to a report would be unveiled by Prime Minister Imran Khan during his upcoming visit to the G-B.