- Announces Gilgit-Skardu Expressway, steps for promotion of tourism
- Says establishment of economic zone will make GB better than Lahore, Karachi
Assuring that the development and prosperity of Gilgit-Baltistan is a priority for his government, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Tuesday announced the construction of the Gilgit-Skardu Expressway at a cost of Rs 50 billion.
He was addressing the cheque distribution ceremony for earthquake affectees in Gilgit on Tuesday. He said that work on the Gilgit-Skardu expressway would start soon. He said the Attabad tunnel has been completed in Rs 27 billion, while the Lowari tunnel project will be completed next year. He said the Khunjrab-Sust-Gilgit road would go up to Havelian.
He said that the expressway would be connected with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to create economic activities in the area. Nawaz Sharif said that an airport would be constructed for jet services in Gilgit.
Nawaz said that Raikot and Havelian would be connected with a smooth road. Lowari project, a tunnel road that connects Dir to Chitral Valley, would be completed in 2016.
He said the economic zone would make Gilgit-Baltistan more advanced than Karachi and Lahore and provide jobs to locals.
The PM said that the government is aware of the bundle of issues that people face and the GB government cannot handle them alone. Nawaz said that distances in the hearts of the people are cut when roads are able to provide easy journeys.
He wished the previous governments had taken the issues of people of Gilgit-Baltistan into account and taken necessary steps to resolve them.
The prime minister said the federal government is spending billions of rupees in the areas for better communication facilities and other welfare oriented development projects. He said these steps would promote tourism in the area and bring a major change in the lives of the people.
Nawaz said efforts are being made to strengthen democracy in Gilgit-Baltistan and a committee has been formed to work out political reforms in the area. The prime minister said that work on various power projects, including Bhasha Dam is in progress to tackle the energy crisis. He directed for early payment of compensation money to people affected by the earthquake. He said work is also in hand for the Bunji and Dasu dams, and when these projects are completed hydel power generation would increase by 15,000 MW.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif distributed cheques among the quake-affected people of Ghizr and Diamir. He was briefed that 14 people had died due to the earthquake, the next of kin of each deceased has been given Rs 600,000, and Rs 100,000 have been given to those injured. 89 houses were destroyed while 603 were partially damaged. Owners of totally destroyed houses would be given Rs 200,000 each, and owners of partially damaged houses will receive Rs 100,000. In addition, the affected people have been provided food and other relief items.
Earlier, in his address Governor GB Mir Ghazanfar Ali said development oriented projects will be given priority for the welfare of people. He said Gilgit-Baltistan offers vast opportunities for the promotion of tourism and both the government and private sector should pay attention to the sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Hafizur Rehman said his government is determined to develop the area with focus on people’s welfare. He thanked the prime minister for his keen interest in the development of Gilgit-Baltistan. He said the vision of the prime minister for CPEC is praiseworthy.