RAWALPINDI, Oct 20: Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao on Monday said the government allocated Rs2.5 billion for the development of the Northern Areas.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Rawalpindi-Lahore express service of the Northern Areas Transport Corporation (Natco), Mr Sherpao said Rs5 billion was also being spend on linking Northern Areas with Chitral. The project is in the final stages, he added.

The federal government will spend Rs2,090 million on construction of Satpara Hydropower Dam in Skardu, Rs3,821 million on Naran-Jhalkand Road, Rs1,200 million on widening of Gilgit- Skardu Road and provide alternative route from Mansehra to Northern Areas which would reduce the distance by about four hours.

The widening of 175kms long Gilgit-Skardu Road will facilitate communication, the minister said. “We want better telephone facilities for Northern Areas,” he added.

Lauding the services of Special Communication Organization, Mr Sherpao announced that internet services in Skardu would be started soon.

He also announced that the work on Mastuj Bridge would be expedited to make the Natco bus service from Gilgit to Chitral possible. The minister said the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) will establish a modern hospital in Gilgit.

The bus service is a joint venture of the government-owned, Natco, and the private sector.

This service will promote tourism sector in the Northern Areas by providing a boost to local tourism industry as well as handicraft and provide job opportunities to locals in shape of tourist guides.—APP