The government may appoint female social worker Dr Shama Khalid as Governor Gilgit Baltistan and rumours do carry some weight following her meeting with Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, here on Monday. While talking to Dr Khalidher, Prime Minister said that the development of Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the priority areas and the government would provide all possible assistance in this regard.
He said that the development of Gilgit-Baltistan would bring multiple prospects for tourism industry and ensure prosperity of the area. Gilani said that the elections held in Gilgit-Baltistan after attaining the status of a province in 2009, has brought the people of the region into mainstream politics of the country.
The participation of all the main political parties in the elections was equally encouraging for the integration of the region with other part of the country. While deliberating upon the progress on various development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan, the prime minister mentioned that the Diamir-Bhasha Dam would not only serve the region but would benefit the entire country to meet the energy needs. He emphasised for close co-operation and co-ordination between the provincial government of Gilgit-Baltistan and federal government for early completion of public welfare projects in the area.
Dr Khalid while referring to the status accorded to Gilgit-Baltistan said it had given an identity to the people of the region who feel proud to be part of the country. The elections of 2009, she said, brought about a new spirit among the people to work with commitment for the uplift of their region.
Dr Khalid is a social worker who voluntarily worked in different parts of Gilgit-Baltistan by establishing free summer medical camps every year. She also worked for an NGO with objective to "save the children" from 1999-2001. Later, from 2003-2010, she served with UNHCR on a project for the welfare of Afghan women and children refugees.