GILGIT, Pakistan: In order to bring prosperity in the lives of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, mega development projects including Diamer Basha dam will be launched in the area.
The announced was made by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while addressing a public gathering in Gilgit on Tuesday.
The prime minister said that the Diamer Basha dam will be country’s biggest project which will change the destiny of Gilgit Baltistan.
Sharif said that the project costing Rs1,400 billion will add 4,500 megawatt of electricity to the national grid. He said that besides this, work will also be started on Bunji and Dasu Dams.
In his address, the premier also announced a number of other schemes for Gilgit-Baltistan, saying that 175 kilometers Gilgit-Jaglot road will be constructed at a cost of Rs40 billion.
The prime minister said that a tunnel is being constructed at Atta Abad lake at a cost of Rs27 billion which will ensure access to Khunjrab. He said that a road has been carpeted between Khunjrab to Rai Kot which will be expanded to Tha Kot and then Islamabad.
Talking about the Pakistan-China economic corridor project, the premier said that it envsiages construction of road from Khunjrab to Gwadar besides rail service will also be started.
Nawaz Sharif also announced that youth of the area will be given loans worth Rs2 million to start their own small businesses.
In addition, the prime minister said that quota of Gilgit-Baltistan in Lap top scheme will also be enhanced. He said that he has also directed to enhance flights to Skardu and Gilgit. He also announced construction of Baltistan University in the area.
The prime minister said that he has also constituted a committee on the constitutional status of Gilgit-Baltistan.
On the occasion, Nawaz Sharif also distributed lap tops amongst the University Students.
Earlier, the prime minister presiding over a meeting of Gilgit-Baltistan Council in Gilgit, during which he said that Gilgit-Baltistan will be brought at par with developed parts of the country.
