105 development projects incomplete in G-B

Governor Barjees Tahir lashes out at previous government for corruption

GILGIT: At least 105 development projects–payments of which were made in advance during the previous regional government’s tenure–are incomplete, said Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Governor Barjees Tahir on Thursday.

While addressing a news conference at his office in Gilgit, the governor said he was really perturbed about this revelation. “The projects remain incomplete even though payments have been made in advance, this is tantamount to corruption,” said Tahir who is on a two-day official visit to Gilgit.

“I had heard about the sale of jobs in G-B but I have now learnt that development schemes have also been sold here,” he said, referring to the previous Mehdi Shah government which faced corruption allegations in the education and works departments.

“The people behind the corruption are trying to make my appointment as governor an issue by playing the local and non-local card,” said Tahir, in an obvious reference to recent statements made by PPP leaders who refused to accept Tahir’s appointment because he does not belong to G-B.

The governor announced that the stalled projects will be completed within three months, and the role of National Accountability Bureau and Federal Investigation Agency will be expanded in the region to bring corrupt elements to task.

Tapping resources

Moreover, Tahir said he had been briefed by the minerals secretary about the region’s various resources and the federal government has decided to conduct a thorough survey of G-B to explore its untapped gemstones and minerals deposits.

Tahir who recently announced that he would not draw the salary and utilise perks and privileges of his additional post further said he will spend two days of every week in G-B to address the problems locals are facing.

Speaking about legislative elections, Tahir said they will be held in May at all costs and the election commission has provided funds for them.