GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan has said that a development package is being finalised to boost the construction industry and help improve the living standards of the locals in the region.

According to a press release issued by the Chief Minister House here the other day, Mr Khurshid presided over the second Apex Committee meeting to review the progress on the GB Development Plan in Islamabad.

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan, the additional secretary GB and representatives from ministries and divisions attended the meeting.

The meeting discussed various projects such as clean energy, transport and communication, health, infrastructure, water sanitation and tourism.

It directed the regional departments to stay in touch with the relevant federal ministries/divisions in preparing the PC-Is of the finalised schemes within the shortest possible time.

The meeting also directed the PTA to finalise the auction of 3G and 4G licences in GB on a priority basis.

Chief Minister Khurshid Khan highlighted the importance of Chirtal-Shandur-Gilgit Road and Shounter Tunnel and directed the NHA to prepare the feasibility study and PC-I at the earliest and submit it to the next Apex Committee meeting.

He also directed that the feasibility studies and PC-Is of all the projects should be prepared before March 4.

The chief secretary proposed to the committee to include construction of an expo centre in GB in the PSDP 2020-21 as the regional government was ready to provide a dedicated piece of land for the project.

The committee also approved a project proposed by the deputy chairman Planning Commission to help enhance the capacity building of GB institutions.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2021