GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Planning and Development Department (P&DD) and Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch socioeconomic development initiatives in the far-flung areas of GB with a view to reducing poverty there.

Under the agreement, P&DD and PPAF will undertake joint development strategies in various sectors, including institutional development, innovation and culture, entrepreneurship, productive infrastructure and energy, education, tourism, social welfare, and agriculture.

GB government’s additional chief secretary Syed Abrar Hussain and PPAF chief executive officer Qazi Azmat Isa signed the MoU during a ceremony held at the Gilgit-Baltistan Secretariat, Islamabad, on Saturday, according to a press release.

GB Chief Minister Khalid Khursheed Khan, Irshad Khan Abbasi, group head, institutions, integration, and innovation PPAF, Fatehullah Khan, senior minister P&DD and information, and others were also present on the occasion.

On the occasion, CM Khalid Khursheed termed the signing of MoU a landmark decision to initiate important development activities in the region. “I am sure this collaboration will help in ushering a new era of development under the collaborated initiatives, especially in the less-developed areas of Gilgit-Baltistan.”

Qazi Azmat Isa said, “PPAF believes in the inclusive and integrated effort in reducing poverty in far flung districts.

I am confident that joining hands with the GB Government will enhance and strengthen the scope and impact of our work in underserved districts of GB.”

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2021