Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting with Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan at the Finance Division today.
Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb recalled his recent visit to Gilgit-Baltistan and discussed the ongoing flood situation and related relief efforts, including release of federal funds. He lauded the progress made in road infrastructure and investments in tourism, noting that the region is endowed with immense natural beauty and holds huge potential for tourism-led growth.
The Minister emphasized responsible investment with strict adherence to building regulations and environmental laws, particularly in the areas of waste and water management to preserve the local ecosystem. He encouraged the Gilgit-Baltistan government to explore new revenue-generation avenues and underlined the need to develop airport and road infrastructure as well as tourism spots to promote package tourism, especially for visitors from Gulf countries.
Chief Minister Gulbar Khan apprised the Minister of ongoing infrastructure development efforts, highlighting that Skardu International Airport is attracting significant traffic and that plans are underway to upgrade Gilgit Airport to international status to further boost tourism. He thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the federal government for their continued attention to addressing the needs of the region.
He also briefed the Minister on the Gilgit-Baltistan government’s plans to strengthen public services across its 10 districts by augmenting staff and providing improved career progression opportunities for senior officers in the GB Secretariat.
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