Government is working under a vision for the development of Gilgit-Baltistan region and the prosperity of the people, said Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Khalid Khurshid on the occasion of his visit to Air War College officers’ Gilgit-Baltistan.
He said that for the first time, former Prime Minister and Chairman Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan approved a mega development package of 370 billion for the construction and development of Gilgit-Baltistan and also increased the development budget substantially.
The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan has introduced reforms in all sectors which have increased the efficiency of the departments and are yielding positive results.
Steering Committees of all major sectors have been formed; major hospitals of Gilgit-Baltistan have been given the status of Teaching Hospitals.
A 10-year plan has been prepared in each sector and work is being done under this plan. Nursing college has been established in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Chief Minister GB further said that steps are being taken under the 10-year plan to achieve the goal of self-sufficiency in agriculture, poultry and dairy sector. Considering the geographical and defense importance of Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu Airport has been given status of International Airport.
The government of Gilgit-Baltistan has also recommended the establishment of an international airport in Gilgit, which is being surveyed.
Khalid further added that the CPEC project has further increased the importance of this area. Alternative energy projects are under consideration for forest conservation.
It has been recommended to the federal government for the early completion of the air mix project to be started in Gilgit. Taking into account the negative effects of climate change, the provincial government has taken practical steps to prevent deforestation.
Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid said that maintaining peace and order in Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the top priorities of the government.
A policy of zero tolerance has been adopted against those who disturb the peace and challenge the government writ. Officers of Air War College include Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, Allied Officers, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Bangladesh, Jordan, Bahrain, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Egypt and Sri Lanka were included.
Additional Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan Aziz Jamali gave a detailed briefing regarding Gilgit-Baltistan to Airwar College officers who visited Gilgit-Baltistan.
