CPEC destined to put Gilgit-Baltistan on the highway to prosperity: Asad Umar

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar has said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was destined to put Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) on the highway to prosperity.

In a high-level meeting here, the minister briefed about the progress on two major roads in Gilgit-Baltistan, namely, “Upgradation and widening of Jaglot-Skardu Road (167 kilomteres)” and “Updated progress on Naltar Valley Road of GB.”

The meeting reviewed the implementation plan of major projects of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The minister was also briefed about the progress of hiring private specialist firms for monitoring and major development projects.

Speaking during the meeting, Umar predicted that after the completion of the CPEC projects and the Pakistani government-funded projects in GB, the region will give a new look. He said GB was a top priority for the government as it needed development.

The minister directed the relevant department to work expeditiously on the remaining two bridges of the “Upgradation and widening of Jaglot-Skardu Road” project, which is a very important artery in Gilgit-Baltistan, and complete it as soon as possible.

The minister mentioned that CPEC and PSDP works will trigger and boost domestic and international tourism in the region.

It was also informed in the meeting that more than two-thirds of Naltar Valley Road has been blacktopped. Asad Umar directed to fully mobilise the required resources to ensure completion of the road by June 2022.

This road project will open up the doors for tourism and contribute to the creation of more job opportunities and accrue socioeconomic impact for the region, the minister indicated.

The meeting was also briefed on the progress and status of land acquisition for the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway. On which the minister directed that the land acquisition should be completed on a priority basis so that the construction on the project can be started in the third quarter.

He also ordered the National Highway Authority (NHA) to ensure effective coordination with the provincial and district administrations for timely resolution of the project sites issues so that the construction phase of this important motorway should not be delayed.

The Planning Commission officials apprised the minister regarding shortlisting of 17 private specialist firms for monitoring. The monitoring reports will be submitted by these firms after the middle of December 2021. After the initial thirty project monitoring by the specialist firms, the programme will be upscaled.

During the meeting, Asad Umar also reviewed the progress of Mohmand and Dasu dams and emphasized the priority funding to these projects. Senior officials attended the meeting.