PM Shehbaz inaugurates model village for flood-hit GB residents

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday inaugurated a model village in Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan to provide housing for those affected by the devastating floods of 2022.

The project aims to offer a permanent and sustainable solution to the people of Bubar village, who had lost their homes during the disaster.

The model village has been built over 110 kanal of land and comprises homes that feature two bedrooms, solar power, water supply, and road connectivity. During the event, the Prime Minister distributed allotment certificates to several entitled residents, marking a significant milestone in the rehabilitation process.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the housing project's progress but stressed the importance of third-party validation to address any potential shortcomings.

He also directed the authorities to immediately begin construction of additional essential infrastructure, including a school, a dispensary, and a playground for the village.

He highlighted that the dispensary should be equipped with first aid facilities, ultrasound, X-ray, and maternity care services to meet the community's healthcare needs.

In his address, PM Shehbaz Sharif also urged for the installation of chimneys in all the newly constructed homes to protect residents from potential health hazards, particularly during the winter months.

Wearing a traditional Gilgit cap (Pakul) and robe, the Prime Minister instructed the Federal Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui to personally oversee the construction of the school.

He also recalled his previous visit to the area in August 2022, which had witnessed complete devastation caused by the floods. He spoke about Qandeel, a teenage girl from Bubar village, and her father, who were among the only survivors of their family.

The Prime Minister had announced a Rs5 million endowment fund for Qandeel, which has since increased to Rs6.7 million to help support her education and future.

The Prime Minister praised the efforts of the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan and the local administration for their oversight and support in rebuilding the village.

He also unveiled a plaque for the upcoming 216-kilometer Gilgit-Shandur Road project, which is set to be completed by November 2025. Once finished, the road will significantly reduce the travel time between Gilgit and Shandur from eight hours to just three hours, further boosting connectivity in the region.

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan thanked the Prime Minister for his continued support in the region, particularly following the floods. He said the newly built model village is equipped with all the basic amenities, including proper connectivity, which will help uplift the lives of the affected residents.

A community member from the village also expressed his gratitude towards the Prime Minister, Chief Minister Gulbar Khan, former Chief Minister Hafeez Hafeez-ur-Rehman, and the district administration for their combined efforts in rebuilding the village and rehabilitating flood-affected families.

Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Attaullah Tarar, and Amir Muqam accompanied the Prime Minister during the visit.