PM Shehbaz announces supply of 100MW electricity to G-B

Premier also announces Rs1b endowment fund for students of Baltistan and Karakoram universities

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a series of significant initiatives for the development and welfare of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) during a special meeting of the GB Cabinet in Gilgit on Wednesday.

His visit to the region highlighted the federal government's commitment to addressing local needs and fostering progress across various sectors.

The PM revealed that the federal government would immediately supply 100 megawatts of electricity to G-B, a much-needed boost to the region’s power infrastructure. He also announced the establishment of a Rs1 billion endowment fund for meritorious students of Baltistan and Karakoram universities.

Additionally, the prime minister expressed satisfaction over the successful and timely completion of housing for the 2022 flood victims in Buber village, Ghizer district, noting the high quality of the reconstruction efforts. 

He instructed the G-B administration to focus on providing critical services such as educational institutions, playgrounds, and electricity, especially in District Ghizer. He further stressed the development of the education sector in Gilgit-Baltistan, announcing the introduction of Daanish Schools, a government initiative aimed at improving access to quality education in remote areas. 

Reflecting on his earlier contributions as the Chief Minister of Punjab, PM Shehbaz recalled his gift of Rs1 billion to the education sector in G-B, underscoring the region's educational development as one of his priorities.

During his address, he highlighted the growing positive signs in Pakistan's economy, pointing to the historic rise in the stock market, increased remittances, and a higher number of tax filers. 

He credited the successful collaboration between all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and G-B in contributing to the nation’s economic recovery. He called for continued cooperation in the pursuit of national development.

The PM also discussed plans for the promotion of tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan, a region rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. He revealed that Qatari investors had shown interest in investing in the region’s tourism sector, which could significantly contribute to the local economy and job creation.

He further marked the inauguration of several key infrastructure projects, including the Naltar Expressway, the construction of an Engineering Block at Karakoram International University, and the Baltistan University project. These projects aim to improve connectivity, educational facilities, and the overall infrastructure of the region.

PM Shehbaz laid the foundation stones for critical energy and water supply initiatives, including the Attabad Lake Hydro Project, Harpo Hydro Project, and the Greater Water Supply Hunza Project. These initiatives are set to strengthen the region's infrastructure, providing much-needed electricity and water to its residents.

In his remarks to the media, the PM stressed the importance of equipping the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan with essential IT skills. He pointed out that skilled workers have significant opportunities in the Gulf countries, particularly in Saudi Arabia, and that focusing on education and vocational training would provide G-B’s youth with better prospects.

He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices made by the people of G-B in their struggle for freedom from the Dogra rule, noting that their efforts would not be forgotten. He assured the people that their sacrifices would bear fruit in the form of a prosperous Pakistan.