GILGIT, Pakistan: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday announced a historic development package worth Rs 370 billion for Gilgit-Baltistan which envisages hydel power generation and transmission projects, connectivity projects for tourism, youth skill and scholarship program, up-gradation of the health system and water and sanitation projects.
While announcing the main features of the development package at a ceremony in Gilgit, the prime minister said that we will also support the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the picturesque and strategically located region besides focusing on the expansion of its infrastructure. He said that it will be our effort to enable Gilgit airport receive international flights.
Highlighting the immense and diverse tourism potential of Gilgit-Baltistan, the prime minister said that the development package will prepare the region to attract tourists which will benefit not only the local people but the whole Country. He was confident that exploiting GB’s tourism potential will make it self-reliant.
However, he emphasized the need for the promotion of tourism in a planned manner to cultivate its true benefits. He said that the tourism in the region should not affect the forests and the mountains. He said that the introduction of a local government system in the region will help take forward the region.
Imran Khan reaffirmed his commitment to transform the Country by waging a successful struggle against the corrupt mafia. He said that it is the first time that this mafia is being brought under the ambit of law.