Gilgit: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the immediate supply of 100 megawatts of electricity to Gilgit-Baltistan. Chairing a special meeting of the Gilgit-Baltistan Cabinet in Gilgit, he also revealed the establishment of an endowment fund of one billion rupees for the talented students of Baltistan and Karakoram universities on merit.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the timely completion and quality of houses constructed for the 2022 flood victims in Buber village of Ghizer district. He instructed the Gilgit-Baltistan administration to ensure the provision of educational institutions, playgrounds, electricity, and other facilities in District Ghizer.

Shehbaz Sharif stated that Daanish Schools are being introduced for the development of the education sector in Gilgit-Baltistan. He emphasized that the Federal Government is actively working for the welfare of the people in the area. Recalling his past role as the Chief Minister of Punjab, he highlighted a previous contribution of one billion rupees to the education sector of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The Prime Minister underscored that the development of all sectors in Gilgit-Baltistan is a top priority for the government. He acknowledged the cooperation of all provinces with the Federal Government in achieving recent economic stability, noting that the stock exchange has surpassed the 92,000 points mark. Increases in remittances and tax filers, along with a decrease in inflation, are positive indicators for the national economy. The collaboration of all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan is deemed crucial for national development.

Shehbaz Sharif affirmed the government’s dedication to the development and welfare of Gilgit-Baltistan, the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. He mentioned steps being taken for the promotion of tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan, with interest from Qatari investors in the region’s tourism sector.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed on the progress of ongoing development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan. Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Attaullah Tarar, Amir Muqam, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, members of the Gilgit-Baltistan cabinet, and high officers of the concerned departments attended the meeting.