Addressing the first joint session of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council and Legislative Assembly on Friday, the prime minister directed the ministry of finance to immediately release the funds. Ashraf hoped that improvement in the financial position of the federal government will allow for allocation of more resources to Gilgit-Baltistan.
"As you are aware that despite world recession and difficulties faced by the national economy, the federal government is providing financial assistance for the rehabilitation of flood affectees in Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan," said the PM, adding that the progress and prosperity of G-B was the top most priority of the government.
Pointing out that he was informed of the difficulties faced by the G-B government, the prime minister assured of complete cooperation of the federal government and added that he was fully familiar with the administrative and financial difficulties of the region.
However, the more pressing concerns of sectarian violence, which has rocked the relatively peaceful district and has directly threatened tourism in the area was soon on the agenda.
“The elements involved in sectarian prejudice and extremism are taking advantage of the situation and are tarnishing the peaceful and secure environment for their nefarious designs,” he further added, pointing out that innocent lives had been lost in these untoward incidents, which affected law and order, causing concern for every patriotic Pakistani.
"My government is particularly focusing on these issues and is taking measures to resolve them," Ashraf asserted, directing that strict action be taken against those breaking laws without discrimination.
The Prime Minister elaborated that the Frontier Constabulary, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts in addition to police units have been deployed on the Karakorum Highway for the protection of passengers and they were being provided with all necessary facilities. He added that instructions have been issued to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government to ensure secure journey of passengers on this highway.
"It is a matter of satisfaction that due to our sincere efforts, improvement has come in day-to-day life in Gilgit-Baltistan," Ashraf claimed.
"We are committed to the development of Gilgit-Baltistan and we want the people of this area to get basic facilities, including health and education, as they are available in other developed areas. With the support of the people and the government of Gilgit-Baltistan, we will make it a model region," said the prime minister.
He lauded members of the Parliamentary Peace Committee, Mosque Board and Mohalla Peace Committee for rendering significant services to improve law and order situation in the area.
"In view of the strategic importance of Gilgit-Baltistan, there is a need to further solidify these efforts. Efforts made with sincerity never go waste," he commented.
The Prime Minister called on the Gilgit-Baltistan government to ensure safety of tourists and foreign guests so that a negative impression about Pakistan could be erased. This, Ashraf said, would help promote tourism.
To further facilitate tourism, Ashraf at a high level meeting later directed that no flights to G-B be cancelled owing to shortage of aircraft. At least 33 per cent of flights to Gilgit and 50 per cent to Skardu are cancelled due to various reasons.
Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Pir Karam Ali Shah, Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah, Federal Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Manzoor Wattoo, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira, Secretary General Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Jehangir Badr and senior officials were also present on the occasion.
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@just_someone: "relatively useless"? what a short sighted comment. It is never useless to build our image and bring in foreign currency through tourism. Additionally, tourism will employ thousands of patriotic Pakistani's - and set up a foundation for the growth of tourism in the rest of Pakistan. Furthermore, foreign currency and a positive image will help us borrow from international institutions - allowing us to develop our infrastructure 'like dams'.
We all know why they're really doing this; because of the elections coming up. It's a great way to manipulate the uneducated in Pakistan to vote for them.
This PM;s comments do not appear very logical to me.
"However, the more pressing concerns of sectarian violence, which has rocked the relatively peaceful district and has directly threatened tourism in the area was soon on the agenda."
Interesting, so since GB has tourist potential, there is a need to address sectarian killings with the view to preserving the tourist revenues. The poor Hazara Shias will not be so lucky since Quetta is not much of a tourist destination. Shocking to say the least.
"“As you are aware that despite world recession and difficulties faced by the national economy, the federal government is providing financial assistance for the rehabilitation of flood affectees in Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan,” said the PM"
Providing flood relief to affected citizens is your duty. What does world recession have to do with it. Why even bring that in the picture?
"To further facilitate tourism, Ashraf at a high level meeting later directed that no flights to G-B be cancelled owing to shortage of aircraft. At least 33 per cent of flights to Gilgit and 50 per cent to Skardu are cancelled due to various reasons."
Since there is no mention of additional planes being bought or even the existing ones not airworthy being made airworthy to increase total number of aircrafts flying, how will he ensure continuation of flights to GN (if shortage is the reason) without adversely affecting some other flights e.g. Karachi Lahore or Karachi Islamabad sector? Would that not impact commerce and industry? Or the PM plans to do the same robing Peter to pay Paul approach that has been used in allocation of gas where it arbitrarily keeps getting shifted from consumers to CNG stations to textile industry to fertiliser industry depending on who shouts the loudest.
i like how the PPP govt keeps giving away money for relatively useless things and not for developmental projects like dams.