By Ajmal Khan Yousafzai
ISLAMABAD: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Monday.
During the meeting, mega project to transform the entire Gilgit-Baltistan into an international tourist place was discussed at length. Under the project, all the urban and rural areas of Gilgit-Baltistan will be reorganized as per the master plan. The project includes provision of basic facilities for tourists at different places in addition to mapping of houses, sewerage system and clean drinking water.
The local population will be provided basic facilities, including quality education and health, on priority basis. The project will also create abundant employment opportunities for the locals.
The project has the potential to transform tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan into a billion dollar industry.
Appreciating the proposed project, the Prime Minister directed to present a comprehensive strategy in this regard next month.Earlier on January 13, the government had decided to announce a major economic package for Gilgit-Baltistan as promised before regional elections in November last year.
In a meeting with the newly-elected leadership of Gilgit-Baltistan, the ministry of planning and development constituted two technical groups to finalise the integrated development plan on the pattern of the recently announced Karachi Transformation Plan.
GB Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid and Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar jointly presided over the meeting. The meeting decided to constitute technical working groups comprising relevant chiefs of ministry of planning and development and officers of GB.
