GB Council members meet president Zardari, discuss regional issues

Islamabad, October 22: Members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council (GBC) met President Asif Ali Zardari today at the Aiwan-e-Sadar in Islamabad. The meeting was attended by GBC members from Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of the country.

Speaking at the occasion, the President has said that the defense ministry should allow private air companies to operate flights in the region. He has also said that a highway will be constructed between Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. He has further said that the issue of Jaghlote-Skardu road will be resolved soon.

During the meeting, President Zardari ordered that the airport in Gilgit should be upgraded and turned into an all-weather facility, capable of handling international flights also. He also said that the GB empowerment and self-governance order is a step towards more inclusive governance in the region.

He was briefed about different issues and progress of different development initiatives in the region. The dammed Hunza River was also discussed, for which China has sent machinery recently.

Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pir Karam Ali Shah and Chief Minister, Syed Mehdi Shah, were present during the meeting, along with Syed Afzal Attaulllah Shahab, Ibrahim and others.