Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan met today at the Parliament House, chaired by Senator Asad Qasim. The meeting focused on reviewing road network rehabilitation in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), as well as financial issues related to the GB Council.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the meeting was attended by several senators and senior officials from relevant ministries and departments. The committee was briefed on the delayed harvesting law, which has been pending for nearly 30 years, and concerns were raised about illegal harvesting. Additionally, the chairman expressed displeasure over the non-submission of reports from the Ministry and emphasized the need for timely compliance.

The National Highway Authority (NHA) and Ministry of Kashmir Affairs officials provided updates on road rehabilitation following recent floods and the status of funds allocated for road networks in GB and AJK. Damage from natural events such as cloudbursts and landslides was highlighted, alongside planned restoration work on key roads like KKH (N-35) and Jaglot-Skardu Road (S-1).

The committee was informed about the ongoing construction of the Gilgit-Shandur Road (N-140) and the proposed federalization of tourist roads to promote tourism. Additionally, the need for permanent solutions for bridges in flood-prone areas was discussed. The allocation of funds for development projects and maintenance allowances for former rulers of acceding states were also reviewed. After deliberations, the committee deferred the agenda for further discussion in the next meeting.