Govt to change GB’s fate in five years: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that the government is committed for the speedy uplift of all under-developed areas of the country and will change fate of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) within the next five years by paying special attention to the area.
He was addressing flood victims at Ghanche in GB on Thursday as he had whirlwind round of various places after reaching Skardu. Governor GB and federal minister Chaudhry Barjees Tahir, Special Assistant to the PM on Political Affairs Asif Saeed Kirmani and Chief Minister GB Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman also accompanied him.
Nawaz, who travelled to the area despite inclement weather, announced assistance of Rs500 million for flood affected people in GB. The amount will be used for the rehabilitation of the food victims. The prime minister reviewed ongoing relief activities while local authorities briefed him on damages caused by floods. Nawaz said the people of the area have always rendered valuable services for the development and progress of Pakistan. He said the government will never leave alone them in the difficult time. He said the government will provide all possible resources for the development of these areas with special focus on provision of basic facilities in education and health sectors. He announced compensation of Rs500,000 for each deceased, Rs150,000 for each injured and Rs250,000 for reconstruction of houses damaged by the floods.
Referring to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Nawaz Sharif said that it will greatly benefit this area and help bring a new era of development and progress. He announced to improve Gilgit-Skardu road and expand it further to Khaploo. The prime minister distributed relief items among the flood affected people and announced a grant of Rs150 million to National Disaster Management (NDMA) to expedite relief activities. He said the government is fully aware of the devastation caused by floods and aims to support GB in its needs. The prime minister assured the people that the government will provide all possible resources to develop flood-affected areas as well as provision of basic facilities in health and education sectors. Chief minister Hafeezur Rehman thanked the prime minister for visiting the area and providing support for the flood-hit areas.