Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan has given its endorsement to a significant Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) project aimed at establishing a Mountaineering Institute in Shigar. The project, valued at Rs. 970.51 million, is slated for the financial year 2025-26.

According to a statement by National Assembly of Pakistan, the committee’s third meeting was held at the Parliament House under the leadership of Haji Imtiaz Ahmed Chaudhry, MNA. During the meeting, the Secretary of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan provided insights into the transfer of the ministry’s PSDP to the Finance Division by the National Economic Council in 2022. The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives now holds the monitoring role. Despite the transfer, the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs has proposed the establishment of the Mountaineering Institute in Shigar, which aims to enhance the skills of mountaineers, rock climbers, and tourism industry personnel.

The committee was also informed about the national and international observance of days related to the Kashmir issue, including Kashmir Solidarity Day, Youm e Istehsal, and Black Day. These observances include solidarity walks, media coverage, and participation of leaders from all parties.

In discussing ongoing efforts regarding the Kashmir issue, the committee resolved to invite relevant officials from Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan to the next meeting to discuss their projects in detail.

The meeting also included input from the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who emphasized the ministry’s efforts to highlight the Kashmir issue internationally, including during recent diplomatic engagements with Turkiya.

The meeting was attended by several Members of the National Assembly, including Mr. Tahir Iqbal, Mr. Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Mr. Abdul Qadir Khan, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Ms. Farukh Khan, and Mr. Riaz Ul Haq. Senior officers from related ministries were also present.