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GILGIT, (MANEND NEWS): Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday
announced a five-year mega development package of Rs370 billion for
Gilgit-Baltistan during his day-long visit to the region. He said NAB has
been around for the past 20 years, but the anti-graft institution
initiated operations against the powerful during the PTI-led
government and has laid hands on the powerful in the country.
“Whenever we win, we will bring the powerful under the law,” he said.
Announcing the main features of the development package at a
ceremony in Gilgit on Friday, the prime minister said it is the first time
that such a huge amount will be used for the development of this
picturesque and strategically located region.
The uplift package consisted of hydel projects, new roads and Babusar
Tunnel, scholarships and skills training for the youth of the region,
upgradation of health and education facilities, water and sanitation
schemes, promotion of SMEs and expansion of airports, particularly
the Skardu Airport, to cater to international flights.
He said the PTI-led government will also support the development of
small and medium enterprises in the area besides focusing on the
expansion of its infrastructure. He said efforts will also be made to
enable Gilgit Airport to host international flights.
Highlighting the immense and diverse tourism potential of Gilgit-
Baltistan, the prime minister said this development package will
prepare the region to attract tourists which will benefit not only the
locals but the whole country. “By exploiting GB’s tourism potential we
will make it self-reliant.”
PM Imran Khan; however emphasized the need for promotion of
tourism in a planned manner to cultivate its true benefits. He said the
tourism in the region should not affect the forests and the mountains.
He said the introduction of local government system in the region will
help take forward the region.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to transform the
country by waging a successful struggle against the corrupt mafia. He
said it is the first time that this mafia is being brought under the ambit
of law.
Taking a jibe at the Opposition, the prime minister said previously,
Pakistan’s rulers went to London for holidays as they are unaware of
the true potential of this area. While reaffirming his commitment to
transform the country by waging a successful struggle against the
corrupt mafia, PM Imran Khan said it is the first time that this mafia is
being brought under the ambit of the law.
The prime minister said that being a democrat, he could support any
dictator. “Some people come to power to benefit their families and
after achieving that, these people transfer money out of the country.
Those who steal money and send it abroad, do double harm to
Pakistan,” he said.
The prime minister admitted that he had also made many mistakes in
the past when it came to awarding tickets for elections.
“I have made many mistakes in giving tickets in the past and often
think about these. But the CM [Khalid Khurshid] is the right choice.”
