LAHORE: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Muhammad Khalid Khursheed says that projects including Diamer Basha Dam would go a long way in transforming the socio-economic landscape of the country in general and Gilgit-Baltistan in particular.

He said this here on Monday while holding a meeting with Wapda Chairman retired Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain and other officials.

The authorities briefed him about water and hydropower projects being implemented by Wapda in GB during the meeting. These projects include Diamer Basha Dam, Harpo, Tangir, Thak, Shayok Dam, Basho, Attabad Lake, Skardu Dam, Tungus and Yulbo hydropower schemes.

The matters relating to the resettlement action plan, land acquisition and schemes under Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) for Diamer Basha project were also discussed during the meeting. The progress on other projects also came under discussion.

Expressing gratitude for arranging a briefing on projects in GB, Mr Khursheed said the region possessed enormous water and hydropower potential. He appreciated Wapda for implementing resettlement and social action plans for Basha Dam in accordance with the international safeguards.

Speaking on the occasion, the Wapda chairman appreciated the support provided by the GB government in implementation of various projects, especially Basha Dam. The chairman briefed that construction work on Diamer Basha Dam is continuing satisfactorily despite the difficulties owing to Covid-19.

Highlighting significance of Basha Dam in national development particularly that of GB, he apprised the CM that a hefty amount of Rs78.5 billion was being spent on schemes for uplift of the project area on CBMs.

Dilating upon the employment opportunities for locals, he reiterated that the posts from BPS-1 to 16, as advertised in the press on Sept 20 this year, would be filled from amongst the locals of Diamer district.

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2020

Opinion

The price of chocolate

The price of chocolate

Little attention is paid to any long-term strategy which might prevent vulnerable children from working in homes where they are in danger.

Editorial

Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...
Climate funding gap
Updated 17 Feb, 2025

Climate funding gap

Pakistan must boost its institutional capacity to develop bankable climate projects.
UN monitoring report
Updated 17 Feb, 2025

UN monitoring report

Pakistan must press Kabul diplomatically over its tolerance of TTP terrorism.
Tax policy reform
17 Feb, 2025

Tax policy reform

THE cabinet’s decision to create a Tax Policy Office at the finance ministry has raised hopes that tax policy is...