SKARDU, Aug 25:  Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah has said that enduring peace is crucial for the development of the region. And to maintain peace and harmony among people belonging to various schools of thought in the region, ulema should play their role and cooperate with the government, he stressed.

He was addressing the 27th annual convention of Baltistan Students Federation (BSF) here the other day.

Mr Shah said some elements didn’t want better relations between Pakistan and its neighbouring countries like China, and Iran. That is why these elements were encouraging terrorism, fundamentalism and sectarianism, endangering sovereignty and integrity of the country, he added. He called for countering the conspiracies through wisdom instead of getting emotional.

Mehdi Shah said the GB government despite limited capacity had allocated Rs8 million for purchase of latest weapons and 32 vehicles, besides establishing checkposts manned by 450 personnel to ensure security of passengers on the Karakorum Highway.

He said law and order was the first priority of the present government and urged people from all walks of life to play their role in maintaining peace in the region.

The chief minister lauded the efforts of Alama Shaikh Mohammad Hassan Jaffer in Skardu, Agha Rahat ul Hussaini and Agha Syed Ashiq Hussain in Gilgit in the aftermath of the incidents of violence in Kohistan, Chilas and Babusar.

He assured that the decision of carving two more districts in the Baltistan region would be implemented. “Efforts are also under way to make Skardu airport all weather and to operate C-130 flights in Gilgit-Baltistan to ease problems of the citizens.

The CM announced to provide employment to 10 highly educated members of BSF and to withdraw cases filed against some senior leaders of BSF in the past.