Government focus on hydel power projects

ISLAMABAD: Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Syed Mehdi Shah has said that the government is giving special focus to several projects, including hydel power, to bring speedy progress for the people of the area.

Talking to Pakistan Television, he said that the Gilgit- Baltistan region rich in natural resources which would be utilized to improve the living standard of its people.

He said that the government of Gilgit-Baltistan was undertaking different projects including health, education, energy, road, and hydel power with the financial support of the Federal Government.

Replying to a question regarding initiatives of the GB government, he said that during last two years, jobs were given to the jobless youths, besides increasing salaries of Police.

He said that women police stations and establishment of courts were also the credit of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

He said that the PPP always struggled for the rights of Gilgit-Baltistan and the present government following the mission of founder chairman Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was taking all important steps for the development of the region. He said Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto made many reforms during his tenure.

To a question, the Chief Minister said that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto also took special interest during her government, for the uplift of GB.

The CM said that Diamer-Bhasha Dam would bring economic prosperity and job opportunities in the area. He said that the project would resolve the energy crisis in the country. Replying to another question, he said that affected families of Diamer-Bhasha Dam would be compensated.

He said that all measures were being taken to improve the road network so that tourism and business activities could be promoted in a befitting manner.

Syed Mehdi Shah said that Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) was functioning well across the Gilgit-Baltistan.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011