ISLAMABAD: Gilgit-Baltistan will be turned into a modern tourist spot, under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and with the help of Pakistan’s federal government, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar said.
In a meeting with Chief Minister Gilgit Muhammad Khalid Khursheed who called on him here, Umar said the federal government was planning to introduce new tourist points in Gilgit Baltistan to promote tourism.
He said CPEC is changing the fate of the region and many projects under the multi-billion-dollar plan will be completed soon. He said the federal government was also supporting the development of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Last month, Prime Minister Imran Khan announced a five-year Rs 370 billion uplift package for the scenic region of Gilgit Baltistan.
The PM said: “I have made some mistakes in awarding the party’s tickets to many people but one thing I did right was to make Khalid Khursheed Khan the chief minister of Gilgit Baltistan.”
The premier announced that funds to the tune of Rs 370 billion would be spent in the region over the next five years, vowing to extend every possible help for the area’s well-being.
The development package envisages hydel power generation and transmission projects, connectivity projects for tourism, youth skills and scholarship programs, up-gradation of health system and water and sanitation projects, he explained.
CM Khalid Khursheed thanked Asad Umar for cooperating with the Gilgit-Baltistan government and announcing a historic comprehensive development package. – Agencies
