ISLAMABAD, Apr 29 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday stressed the need for steps to promote local businesses and economic activities to make Gilgit Baltistan (GB) self-sufficient as well as for inclusive and sustainable d
evelopment in the area.
The president, in a meeting with GB Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Gul Bar Khan, who called on him here, said the GB had enormous hydroelectric potential that needed to be capitalized for its d
evelopment.
He said that GB was blesse
d with abundant natural resources, including mining, gems, and minerals, and called for their full
exploration and d
evelopment to bring economic prosperity to the area.
During the meeting, the GB governor and chief minister informed the president about the d
evelopment projects being undertaken by the GB government.
They also apprised President Zardari of various issues facing the GB people, particularly the lack of education and health facilities, and unemployment.
They also requested the president to visit GB and address the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.
Emphasizing the constitutional reforms, the GB governor also pointed out the issues facing the universities and requested for president’s special attention for their resolution.
President Zardari underlined the need to initiate programs for the training and skill d
evelopment of GB’s youth to equip them with employable skills as per market demand.
He called for accelerating infrastructure d
evelopment in GB as well as focusing on strengthening the education and health sectors to bring it at par with other d
eveloped areas of the country.
