Gilgit: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the immediate supply of 100 megawatts of electricity to Gilgit-Baltistan, marking a significant step in addressing the region’s energy needs. The announcement was made during a special meeting of the Gilgit-Baltistan Cabinet held in Gilgit, where the Prime Minister also unveiled plans for an endowment fund of one billion rupees aimed at supporting talented students from Baltistan and Karakoram universities.

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, Ghizer district. He directed the local administration to ensure that educational institutions, playgrounds, electricity, and other essential facilities are provided in District Ghizer.

Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the introduction of Daanish Schools to aid the development of the education sector in Gilgit-Baltistan. The Federal Government, he emphasized, is working tirelessly for the welfare of the region’s population. He recalled his previous support as Chief Minister of Punjab, where he contributed one billion rupees to the education sector of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The Prime Minister underscored that the development of all sectors in Gilgit-Baltistan remains a top priority for the government. He acknowledged the cooperation of all provinces with the Federal Government in achieving recent economic stability, noting the stock exchange’s historic rise to 92,000 points, increased remittances, and a decrease in inflation as positive indicators for the national economy. The collaboration of all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan is deemed crucial for national development.

Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the development and welfare of Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to promote tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan, including interest from Qatari investors to invest in the region’s tourism sector.

The meeting included briefings on the progress of ongoing development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan, with attendance from Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Attaullah Tarar, Amir Muqam, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, members of the Gilgit-Baltistan cabinet, and high-ranking officials from relevant departments.