ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan was on Wednesday brie­fed on the implementation of a five-year development package for Gilgit-Baltistan. The plan was announced by the government early this year.

Under the plan, Rs370 billion would be released for various development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan till fiscal year 2025-26.

“The federal government is focused on accelerating the pace of work on various development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan by taking effective measures to ensure delegation of administrative and financial powers,” the prime minister was quoted as saying.

Mr Khan directed authorities concerned to clear all legal and procedural hiccups in this regard to facilitate the people of Gilgit-Baltistan who he said had to travel all the way to Islamabad for getting their issues resolved.

Preparations for Eid Miladun Nabi reviewed

He also directed that fast and reliable internet connectivity in the area be ensured at the earliest to provide better communication facilities to the people of GB.

The meeting was attended by federal Ministers Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, Syed Amin-ul-Haque, Dr Muhammad Farogh Naseem, Special Assistant to PM Dr Shehbaz Gill and Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Khalid Khursheed.

Meanwhile, while presiding over a meeting to discuss preparations for Eid Miladun Nabi celebrations, the prime minister said that 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal would be celebrated in a befitting manner and with great fervour and zeal.

The main ceremony to be held in Islamabad would be a historic event, Mr Khan said.

At the meeting, the prime minister was briefed about preparations being made for 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal celebrations.

Federal Ministers Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Shafqat Mehmood, Special Assistants to PM Shehbaz Gill, Usman Dar, Senator Faisal Javed, and Member of National Assembly Amir Mehmood Kayani attended the meeting.

Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, Senator Saifullah Niazi and Dr Atta-ur-Rehman attended the meeting via video link.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2021