PM Orders Swift Judicial Appointments New Initiatives for GB Development
The Prime Minister’s Secretariat has released the minutes of the meeting regarding Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif‘s recent visit to Gilgit-Baltistan, outlining key directives and development initiatives for the region.
A 10-point agenda was finalized, with the PM calling for the expedited appointment of judges to the Supreme Appellate Court of Gilgit-Baltistan. The establishment of a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in the region has also been approved. Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan has been tasked with ensuring that essential facilities such as schools, healthcare, and sports grounds are made available in Bober Model Village, which was announced in 2022 by PM Shehbaz for flood victims and inaugurated in his recent visit, within six months.
The government has also approved the creation of an Export Development Fund worth Rs300 million. This will see the upgradation of lapidary centers in Gilgit and Skardu within seven days, boosting local industry capabilities. The appointment of judges in the Supreme Appellate Court must be finalized within a month, with the Secretary of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Attorney General of Pakistan, and Chief Secretary leading the process.
The Gilgit-Shandur Road project will undergo a third-party evaluation, with a two-month deadline for its completion. Similarly, the Chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA) has been given two months to address and rehabilitate the construction of the Jaglot-Skardu Road, connecting Gilgit and Baltistan region, and assess other regional routes.
In a push for renewable energy, the PM approved the construction of a 100 MW solar project from PSDP, set for completion within a year, with third-party involvement for operations and maintenance lasting three years. Additionally, an endowment fund worth Rs500 million each for Karakoram International University and Gilgit-Baltistan University has been sanctioned, with funds allocated from the GB Council.
Addressing critical infrastructure needs, a two-month timeframe has been set for resolving land disputes, water, and drainage issues. The Secretary of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan will oversee these efforts. Meanwhile, the Secretary Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives has been instructed to tackle the region’s Annual Development Program (ADP) forward with the consultation of Chief Secretary Gilgit Baltistan and ensure Skardu’s water supply is included in the next year’s development agenda.
Finally, the newly approved CTD is expected to be operational within six months, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing security in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Wirtter Faheem Akhtar | Gilgit
