Amid floods: G-B CM committed to achieving targets

FIA, NAB offices set up to investigate graft allegations

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government is committed to achieving the targets it has set for its first 100 days in power despite the recent spate of flooding.

This was said during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Hafeezur Rahman earlier this week.

During the moot, Rahman assured his government was doing its best to achieve these targets within the stipulated period despite the challenges posed by heavy rains and floods.

“Damages caused by floods amount to Rs0.5 billion across G-B and the prime minister has already announced the provision of this amount,” he said.

After winning the legislative assembly elections in July, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz announced it would address the education, health and power woes faced by the people of the region within the first 100 days of its tenure.

In the works

Rahman said an agricultural project worth Rs14 billion has been approved by the prime minister.

“Under this scheme, 800,000 kanals of barren land will be irrigated,” he said. “Moreover, 17 megawatts of electricity will be added to the system by the end of 100 days as promised.”

He added a law would be introduced to prevent the use of plastic bags to curb environmental pollution.

Graft allegation

The chief minister said FIA and NAB offices were being set up in the region to investigate graft allegations against the previous government. “Since we are politicians and can’t directly investigate cases, these departments will perform these tasks,” he said.

Fresh appointments

Rahman also announced senior minister Akbar Taban would be made minister for water and power and also be responsible for finance.

Six new parliamentary secretaries were also notified.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 8^th, 2015.