PR No. 125 Islamabad: February 15, 2018

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi today met Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman at Prime Minister’s office. Minister for Kashmir Affairs Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir, Deputy Chairman Planning Mr. Sartaj Aziz and senior government officials were present during the meeting. Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan briefed the Prime Minister about various development projects including some landmark projects under the CPEC portfolio. Briefing the Prime Minister about power situation in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Chief Minister said that the present government during past two years has added 54 MW to the existing 82 MW power which was being produced in the area for last 70 years. He informed the Prime Minister that recovery situation of power dues has also witnessed significant improvement and stands around 80% recoveries at present. He said that work on establishment of regional power grid was underway. The Chief Minister said that the two proposed power projects of 180 MW capacity under CPEC project would be instrumental in meeting the energy requirements of the region. The Chief Minister also briefed the Prime Minister about the efforts of GB Government to promote tourism in the region. Increased PIA flights to Gilgit would help promoting tourism in the region, proposed the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister also apprised the Prime Minister about the progress on various landmark projects including establishment of a cancer hospital, medical college and cardiology centre for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. The Prime Minister reiterated that the Government was committed to development of the region and socio-economic empowerment and uplift of the people of Gilgit-Balitistan. He said that CPEC project would create new economic opportunities for the people of the region. The Prime Minister assured the Chief Minister that all proposed projects relating to Gilgit-Baltistan, under the CPEC portfolio would be pursued for their early finalization and implementation. He said that Dir-Chitral CPEC Link Road project was being accorded priority. *****

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