GILIGIT: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said efforts to introduce political reforms in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) are under way to redress the grievances of the people of the region and a committee has been set up for the purpose.

He was speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of new GB Governor Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan here on Tuesday. Chief Minister Hafeezur Rehman, he said, was a member of the committee which would work out a plan to empower people to resolve their issues.

He announced Rs50 billion for the construction and expansion of the Gilgit-Skardu road.

Also read: Kissan package to benefit 1.2m farmers, says PM Nawaz

Referring to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, he said that economic zones to be set up worth multi-billion dollar project would increase trade activities in the region and make it a business hub.

He expressed the hope that development of tourism industry would usher in an era of progress in the region. Mr Sharif said work on various power projects, including Bhasha Dam, Bunji and Dasu dams was also in progress.

He distributed cheques among the quake-affected people.

Chief Minister Hafizur Rehman said his government would work with determination to develop the region.

Governor Mir Ghazanfar Ali said the development-oriented projects would get priority and appealed to the federal government for financial help for completing the Gilgit-Skardu road project.

Chief Judge Supreme Appellate Court Dr Rana Mohammad Shamim administered the oath to the governor.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2015

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