GILGIT: The Development Working Party (DWP) has envisaged uplift projects worth over Rs58 billion for Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to a press release issued here on Sunday by Ali Taj, the GB government spokesperson, the DWP meeting was held in Gilgit with Chief Minister Mohammad Khalid Khurshid Khan in the chair.

Finance minister Javed Ali Manwa, minister for planning Fatullah Khan, the chief secretary, additional chief secretary and other officials were in attendance.

The meeting recommended upgradation of Gilgit, Chilas and Skardu hospitals and construction of a medical college in the region. It also recommended construction of Shounter tunnel, Darel Tangir and Nagar expressways, establishment of IT centres in all the 10 districts, a water supply scheme in Gilgit town, a sewerage project in Skardu town and establishment of a hotel and hospitality management institute.

The committee also proposed a project for rehabilitation of special persons and scholarships for students, and establishment of an institute for promoting adventure sports, rock climbing and mountaineering.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid directed carrying out consultancy and feasibility of development projects at the earliest.

He said many important projects were facing delays in different districts, and announced to form a special committee for ensuring completion of these projects.

The chief minister claimed that first time in GB’s history, Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan had approved a mega development plan for Gilgit-Baltistan.

The meeting also approved several small hydropower projects to be executed under the Gilgit-Baltistan Annual Development Programme.

These projects include construction of 3.5MW hydropower station in Maqpoon Bridge area, upgradation of 2MW Civic and 1MW Turtle Phase V Skardu Transfer Project, construction of 3MW hydropower project in Kharmang and upgradation of 160kW hydropower project in Tangir.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2021