Zardari asks G-B CM to focus on communications development

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday asked Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah to pay special attention towards developing the communications network, which he said are crucial for the long-term prosperity of the people of the region.

The president made these comments when the G-B CM called on Zardari at the President’s House. During the meeting, matters relating to the rehabilitation of the Attaabad lake victims, development projects, provision of funds for development projects, extension of the People’s Works Programme to G-B, creation of a tax-free zone, and the extension of the Women’s Bank to Gilgit-Baltistan were discussed at length. Zardari also informed Shah about the two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) he had signed during his recent visit to China for building the 165-kilometre-long Jaglot-Skardu Road and the 135-km-long Thakot-Sazin Road.

He said Pakistan had also sought Chinese assistance in the proposed realignment of Karakorum Highway – a part of which had submerged in the Attaabad lake. The president urged the G-B CM to undertake all-possible measures for the rehabilitation and relief of the victims of the Attaabad lake spill.

He said the federal government would continue to extend all-out assistance to the local authorities through the National Disaster Management Authority, Pakistan Baitul Mal, Benazir Income Support Programme and other government agencies. APP