We are focused on accelerating work on development projects in GB: PM Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday said that the government is concentrating on speeding up the progress of the integrated development plan for Gilgit-Baltistan through effective measures. 

"We are focused on accelerating the pace of work on various development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan by taking effective measures to ensure delegation of administrative and financial powers,” said PM Imran Khan while addressing a  meeting to review the progress of GB projects.

A statement issued by the Prime Minister's office said that the premier directed the authorities concerned to remove all the legal and procedural obstacles in the way of Gilgit-Baltistan's development projects.

It said that the authorities were directed to “clear all legal and procedural hiccups in this regard to facilitate the people of Gilgit-Baltistan who have to travel long distances to reach Islamabad for getting their issues resolved”.

PM Imran Khan also ordered the provision of internet connectivity to the area at the earliest to cater better communication facilities to the local population.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, Syed Amin-ul-Haque, Dr Muhammad Farogh Naseem, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill, and GB Chief Minister Khalid Khursheed, along with relevant senior officials.

Earlier, the prime minister was briefed about the progress of the implementation of the historic five-year development package for GB, announced by his government early this year.

Per the statement, Rs370 billion would be released to G-B for various development projects till the fiscal year 2025-26 under the package.