Islamabad, 30 May — Reaffirming his government’s commitment to inclusive and balanced national development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved an additional allocation of Rs. 3.5 billion for key development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The funding, sanctioned under the Prime Minister’s Special Package for Gilgit-Baltistan, will support the following initiatives: 20MW Shagarthang Hydropower Project, Construction of Darel and Tangir Expressway and bridges, Establishment of Regional Grid, GB-AJK Road Connectivity, and the Greater Water Supply Scheme in Hunza.
This strategic intervention is part of a larger vision to bring remote and historically underserved areas into the fold of national progress. Improved infrastructure, energy supply, and road connectivity in Gilgit-Baltistan will not only uplift local communities but also strengthen inter-provincial integration and support tourism, trade, and socio-economic mobility across the northern belt.
By investing in the region’s infrastructure and services, the Prime Minister aims to unlock the immense potential of Gilgit-Baltistan as a gateway for regional connectivity, economic development, and environmental sustainability. These efforts are expected to improve the quality of life for residents, create local employment opportunities, and better connect GB to the rest of Pakistan through modern and reliable networks.
The Prime Minister has directed the concerned departments to ensure immediate release and effective utilisation of the funds, with a strong emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and timely delivery. This initiative reflects the federal government’s continued focus on long-overdue development and meaningful inclusion of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan’s forward-looking growth narrative.
Usman Asif