GILGIT: The new building of Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly opened here on Saturday. The work on the project was started in 2006.

The inaugural ceremony was attended among others by Chief Minister Hafeezur Rehman, Pakistan Peoples Party central leader Qamar Zaman Kaira, GB Speaker Fida Mohammed Nashad, Deputy Speaker Jaffarullah Khan and minister Aurangzeb Khan.

On the occasion, CM Hafeezur Rehman said GB had been put on the path of progress as local and international tourists were frequently visiting the region without any fear of law and order.

He claimed that GB was enjoying exemplary peace, saying former PML-N government in Punjab had supported the GB government in development of the area.

He praised former Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif for his role in supporting GB development. Speaking at the event, Mr Kaira, who was also first GB governor in 2009, said GB people were most patriotic citizens of the country.

He added that the GB people could get benefits from mega projects being launched under the CPEC.

He said without peace and harmony a society could not be developed.

Meanwhile, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari arrived in Gilgit on Saturday on a five-day visit to the region.

He was accompanied by party’s central leaders, including Qamar Zaman Kaira.

The PPP chairman was received by local activists at the airport. He is scheduled to address a public meeting in Gilgit on Sunday.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2018