Streamlining: G-B government departments reshuffled

Chief minister went around city to assess security arrangements for Muharram.

GILGIT: The government of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) has made changes in various departments in a bid to streamline its affairs. A summary in this regard has been approved by the chief minister (CM), confirmed a government spokesperson on Monday.

The department of services, for instance, has been separated from general administration. Saad Sikandar will now look after both departments as secretary. Similarly, the departments of prison and information have also been made separate entities. Adviser to CM on Tourism Sadia Danish has been assigned additional responsibilities as minister for information – a post earlier held by Muhammad Ismail.



Meanwhile, the regional government has pledged to ensure the remaining days of Muharram pass peacefully. CM Mehdi Shah went around the city on Monday to assess arrangements in place under the security plan for Muharram. During his trip, he met members of the Masajid Board and was briefed about what has been done to defuse tension between sects.

“Masajid Board members briefed the chief minister about the continued efforts made to forge unity,” said Muta Wali, one of the board’s members. The members also met prayer leaders at mosques to urge them to maintain a peaceful environment during the month, he added.

G-B Force Commander Major General Hafiz Masroor also visited the office of the Masajid Board last week to laud the members for their role.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th,2013.