Atiullah Gilgit
The eighth session of the provincial cabinet was held at GB cabinet house under the chairmanship of Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan. Provincial ministers, chief minister’s advisors, Additional Chief Secretary Development, Deputy Inspector General Gilgit-Baltistan, and administrative secretaries of provincial departments attended the meeting.
In the meeting, approval was granted for the Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Assessment Regulations 2023 regarding the impacts of development projects on environmental conditions, as proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency. Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan remarked that global laws and regulations for environmental protection should be observed in the planning and implementation of development projects to ensure that infrastructure and other developmental initiatives are environmentally friendly and attract international donors and investors based on policy foundations.
During the cabinet meeting, approval was also granted for amendments to the rules of business of the Excise and Taxation Department to incorporate additional aspects related to narcotics control, as well as for an additional grant of Rs. 105.9 million for local council employees’ salaries. The approval for the Gilgit-Baltistan River Protection Act was deferred for further consultation with stakeholders until the next cabinet meeting, while the decision was made to extend the services of 130 vaccinators appointed on a temporary basis during COVID-19 until December 2024.
To expedite progress in the economic zone in Gilgit-Baltistan, approval was given for the establishment of the Gilgit-Baltistan Economic Zone Development and Management Company. The Chief Minister highlighted the significance of economic zones for promoting economic activities.
