Islamabad, President Asif Ali Zardari met with Gilgit-Baltistan’s Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Gul Bar Khan today at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where they discussed the region’s development projects and the challenges its residents face. The leaders from Gilgit-Baltistan highlighted critical issues including educational, health services deficiencies, and high unemployment rates, urging the President to address these during a proposed visit to the regional assembly.

According to Press Information Department, the discussions focused on exploiting Gilgit-Baltistan’s rich hydroelectric and mineral resources to boost its economy. President Zardari emphasized the significant potential for hydroelectric power generation, which could serve as a cornerstone for the region’s economic development. He also pointed out opportunities in mining, gems, and other natural resources that could be harnessed to improve the financial standing of the area.

The President also stressed the importance of developing human capital in Gilgit-Baltistan. He advocated for training and skill development programs tailored to the market’s needs to ensure the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan are employable. Furthermore, he called for the promotion of local businesses and economic activities to foster self-sufficiency and sustainable development within the region.

Another key area of focus during the meeting was the acceleration of infrastructure projects, particularly in enhancing the education and health sectors to align Gilgit-Baltistan with more developed regions of Pakistan. President Zardari’s dialogue with the regional leaders underscored a committed effort to address the immediate needs of Gilgit-Baltistan’s populace while laying a foundation for long-term prosperity.