GlLGIT, Jan 9: Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah has said that it was collective responsibility of the people from all walks of life to make efforts for establishment of durable peace in the region.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday Mr Shah said that adequate measures had been adopted to ensure peaceful environment in the area. He said precarious security situation also affected pace of development as a bulk of funds went into maintaining security.

He advised people to strengthen the hands of the government in eradicating the anti-social elements so that the area could be developed at par with other parts.

Mr Shah said the religious scholars had a great role to play for peace and they should come forward to do their bit in this struggle.

He said GB police were being revamped and bulletproof jackets were being obtained from the federal government. The chief minister also sought help of media to defeat those who wanted to disturb peace of the area.

Chief Secretary GB Saifullah Chatta, who was also present on the occasion, said a number of measures had been taken to maintain law and order in the region.

He said the police were being trained on modern lines and also being equipped with latest gadgets.-Correspondent