Islamabad: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired a crucial meeting focusing on the development challenges of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). The assembly highlighted issues such as funding shortfalls and project delays, while discussing proposals to boost the region’s infrastructure through solar energy projects, digitization of land records, and airport expansions to spur economic growth and tourism.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting, which included various high-level officials like the Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engr. Amir Muqam, and other key GB ministers, opened with a comprehensive briefing from the Chief Secretary of GB. He detailed the pressing challenges faced by the region, including underfunding and delays in Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) projects that have resulted in employee grievances and additional liabilities.

Proposals were put forward for solar power initiatives to meet increasing energy demands, and strategies to digitize land records and expand airports, aimed at enhancing tourism and modernizing the region’s infrastructure. Senator Aurangzeb praised these initiatives and emphasized the need for administrative and fiscal reforms to improve local living standards and boost economic activities, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting GB’s development.