GILGIT: Five bridges were opened on the under-construction Gilgit-Skardu road on Monday.

The 175-kilometer road is being reconstructed by the Frontier Works Organisation, which got the contract last year.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Alam bridge, which connects Gilgit-Skardu road with Karakoram Highway, in Skardu, Commander FCNA Maj-Gen Ehsan Mehmood said that Gilgit-Baltistan was part of Pakistan and its people had unprecedented contributions and sacrifices for the defence and development of the country.

Acknowledging the sacrifices and services of GB, the force commander said that CPEC had further increased the region’s importance.

He hoped that with execution of CPEC, there would be considerable socioeconomic development in every district of the region.

He reiterated that Pak Army would continue supporting the federal and Gilgit-Baltistan governments in resolving problems of the common people, besides assisting them in completion of ongoing development projects.

Gen Mehmood also lauded the role of FWO for completing mega development projects in the region.

On the occasion, FWO director general Maj-Gen Inaam Malik Haider said the important project would be completed within a record period.

After completion of the project, trade and tourism activities will get boost in Baltistan division, he added.

Senior minister Akbar Taban, education minister Ibrahim Sanai , GB Council Member Ashraf Sada, civil and military officials were also in attendance.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2018