Prime Minster Imran Khan said that a historic development package has been approved for Gilgit-Baltistan. The development package was approved in a high-level meeting regarding the development of Gilgit Baltistan presided over by the prime minister. Prime Minister said that the development of GB was among the priorities of the PTI government. Prime Minister Imran Khan instructed the Chief Minister GB to give special attention to the promotion of tourism and protection of environment. Prime Minister Khan observed that the projects in various sectors will not only herald a new chapter of development and progress in Gilgit Baltistan but will also assist sought out the problems of the area and generate abundant employment opportunities. Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) remained successful in installing its government in Gilgit-Baltistan after general election in the area. Now it set to strengthen its stronghold in the masses through socio-economic development in the region. The Chief Minister GB had approached the Central government for development package. Under the instructions of Prime Minister Imran Khan two working groups were formed for initiating joint efforts to identify the public needs and potential mega projects which can be showcased by the party as achievements in future political narrative in the province. Presently, government identified various sectors for development including infrastructure, hydro energy, tourism, health, agriculture, education, higher education, gems, and precious stones mining. Federal government has increased GB development budget from Rs. 17.5 billion to Rs. 25 billion this year, to express its commitment with the people of Gilgit Baltistan. The government is also looking for local and international private partners under its Public Sector Development Program Plus (PSDP+) for undertaking joint ventures of mega projects and tourism development. Gilgit Baltistan was largely ignored by the central governments due to its difficult terrains and vague administrative system in the past. Now, a full Provincial Management has been in placed in the area. Any Political party, who will invest in the province, would got stronghold in the regional Politics. The major problem of the area is poor road Network within the province and it’s connectivity links with rest of the country. PTI government must focus this area, it wouldn’t only provide a strong infrastructure but also lead to promotion of national and international tourism in the area.
