ISLAMABAD: The apex committee constituted to execute the uplift package for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) has reviewed the progress on proposed projects being finalised to develop under the package.
During the meeting of the committee – jointly presided over by GB Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Ali Amin Khan Gandapur at the Planning Ministry on Friday – it asked all ministries and institutions concerned to complete the preliminary work on priority basis.
The GB CM said that the first-of-its-kind package would change the history of GB, improve the living standards of the people, boost the construction industry, and development in the region.
The committee discussed the projects of various departments such as Clean Energy, Transport and Communication, Health, Infrastructure, Water Sanitation and Tourism.
The meeting was also attended by Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan, GB additional secretary and representatives from ministries and divisions.
As the availability of internet service has also been an issue in GB, the committee directed Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) to finalise the auction of 3G and 4G licences.
It highlighted the importance of Chitral-Shandur to Gilgit Highway Road and Shounter Tunnel and directed the National Housing Authority (NHA) to expedite the feasibility study.
While discussing the Expo Centre for GB the chief secretary has assured the committee on providing dedicated land for the centre and requested the committee to include the scheme in PSDP 2020-21.
Jehanzeb Khan proposed a special project to enhance the capacity building of GB institutions which was approved; they directed for completion of the project expeditiously.
During the first meeting of the committee earlier this month, it was agreed that projects of Non-PSDP, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and PSDP projects would be included and implemented under the package.
The committee had directed that the GB government, in collaboration with concerned ministries/divisions, should submit the project proposals & PC-1s to the Planning Ministry as early as possible.
It was also decided to constitute technical working groups comprising relevant chiefs of the ministry and officers of GB, which would be monitored by the GB CM and inter-ministerial committee deputy chairman.
Both the committees will hold a follow-up meeting in the next 15 days and shortlist the most important areas for inclusion in the GB integrated development plan.
