GILGIT: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the extension of the National Power Policy to Gilgit-Baltistan and extend the jurisdiction of institutions concerned to the region, according to a press release issued by GB Chief Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani.

A summary was moved by the advisor to the PM on Kashmir Affairs and GB at the request of the GB government which has been approved by the prime minister.

He has issued directives to the relevant ministries to forward a summary to the president for approval, said the statement released on Monday.

Calling it a historic decision, the statement added that this will be a significant step towards overcoming the energy crisis that has plagued the region for 72 years.

Separately, GB Chief Minister Gulbar Khan chaired the second meeting of his cabinet where he appreciated the role of a committee comprising the GB interior minister, home secretary, IG police, intelligence agencies, law enforcement agencies and scholars of all disciplines, for maintaining peace in the region during Muharram. He said Ashura processions ended peacefully in the region.

The chief minister also constituted a committee to assess the damage caused by the recent rains and floods in the region.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2023