PM forms committee to address Gilgit-Baltistan issues

GILGIT: On the special request of Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a high-level committee to present recommendations for resolving the long-standing issues of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B).

The nine-member committee, to be chaired by Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Finance & Revenue, includes Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister for Power Division; Musadik Masood Malik, Minister for Water Resources; Rngr. Amir Muqam, Minister for Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit Baltistan; The Secretary, Ministry of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit Baltistan; Engineer Mohammad Ismail, Minister for Finance, GB; Engineer Mohammad Anwar, Minister for Agriculture, GB; Fateullah Khan, Chairman BOI, GB; and Chief Secretary, Gilgit Baltistan.

The committee’s mandate includes the formulation of recommendations on key issues such as financial matters, net hydel profits, the establishment of new districts, electricity crises, and the wheat subsidy.

The committee is expected to submit its report to the Prime Minister within thirty days, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to tackle the challenges faced by the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his prompt response.

He assured the people of Gilgit-Baltistan that his government remains committed to the swift implementation of the committee’s recommendations to resolve the region’s long-standing issues.

“The formation of this committee represents a significant step forward in addressing the core issues of Gilgit-Baltistan and ensuring its economic and social development,” said Gulbar Khan.

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 “We are optimistic that the committee’s recommendations will pave the way for substantial improvements in financial stability, power supply, and essential subsidies.”

He emphasized that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan had long been facing challenges related to financial matters, electricity crises, and wheat subsidy, and this committee provides a ray of hope for resolving these issues.

“The constitution of this committee is a testament to the Prime Minister’s commitment to addressing the issues faced by Gilgit-Baltistan and ensuring the region’s development and prosperity,” he said.

It is pertinent to mention here that the region has been facing up to 22 hours of load shedding in winter and up to six hours in summer. Gilgit-Baltistan has been demanding a share of net hydel profits and NFC from the center.