Chilas bus attack: GB CM distributes compensation cheques among heirs

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan on Tuesday distributed cheques for compensation among heirs of victims of Chilas bus attack.

At least 12 people were killed while 24 others sustained injuries when unidentified militants opened indiscriminate gunfire on a passenger bus en route from Ghizer to Rawalpindi in Chilas on December 1 last year. The chief minister had announced compensation of Rs1 million for the heirs of each deceased, Rs0.5 for the seriously injured and Rs0.3m for the lightly injured.

Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan stated that the government was fully committed to supporting the families of the victims from the Chilas bus attack. He described the incident as a deeply distressing act of terrorism and reaffirmed the determination to apprehend those responsible. Gulbar Khan revealed that three terrorists have been arrested in connection with the attack, and law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing the remaining culprits.

Activation of 30-bed hospitals ordered

Separately in a meeting regarding health reforms, the Chief Minister emphasized enhancing healthcare services in Gilgit-Baltistan’s remote areas. He directed a committee comprising various departments to activate 30-bed hospitals and ensure the functionality of the Eidgah Hospital despite the presence of surgeons.

The Chief Minister also addressed issues like absentee staff and the lack of essential machinery in some hospitals, mandating inquiries and actions to improve service delivery. Gulbar Khan stressed the importance of health sector development, urging measures to ensure the timely completion of the Skardu 250-bed hospital and the implementation of a hard area transfer policy for doctors, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving healthcare standards in the region.