ISLAMABAD, Aug 20: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that the government was focusing on the development of tourism, handicrafts, value-addition in agri sector, small and medium enterprises, horticulture and hydel power generation for the uplift of the Northern Areas.

Chairing a meeting to review the goals and targets of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas at the PM House on Saturday, he said the government was focusing on income generation programmes, better facilities of health and education, improvement in law and order situation and for the overall uplift of Gilgit-Baltistan.

He said Pakistan wants a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmir.

“Pakistan is fully committed to the process of composite dialogue with India. Agreement to solve the Kashmir issue among the three parties — Pakistan, India and Kashmiris — is necessary for sustainable peace in South Asia,” he said.

Mr Aziz said some progress has been made on confidence building measures (CBMs) and the two countries should move from conflict management to conflict resolution as only peace in South Asia could help leverage the true potential of the region.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs Tahir Iqbal informed the prime minister that there has been a quantum increase in literacy rate in the Northern Areas.

He said the income tax collection target of Rs2,500 million for AJK Council was surpassed. The target of provincial taxes fixed by the AJK government amounting to Rs694 million was also surpassed by collecting Rs791.148 million.

Mr Iqbal briefed the prime minister that till the end of next year, 80 per cent of the population would be provided electricity.

He said: “The ministry is making all out efforts to provide facilities to tourists so that vast potential in tourism sector could be utilised fully.”—APP