Rs 826 million Gilgit-Baltistan Council budget presented

 PT Report

Islamabad, Nov 23 (APP):  Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan, Chaudhary Barjees Tahir presented the annual budget of Gilgit-Baltistan Council for the year 2013-14 in the GB Council budget session held In Islamabad on Friday.  The budget proposes Rs. 826 million expenditures against revenue target of Rs. 543 million. The Session was attended by members of Gilgit Baltistan Council and chaired by Syed Pir Karam Ali Shah, Governor Gilgit-Baltistan and Vice Chairman of Gilgit-Baltistan Council.

The budget deficit has been proposed to be met by grant from the Federal Government. The budget has allocated Rs. 325 million for development program.  Rs.20 million will be granted to each member for development projects. Rs.145 million is reserved for construction of Gilgit Baltistan Council Secretariat Building. The budget proposes 10% increase in the allowances of the government employees in in order to bring it at par with the allowances of the federal government employees.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chairman of GB Council will preside the next session of the GB Council on November 26 to pass the budget.

Barjees Tahir while addressing budget session assured his support to provide resources for the development of GB. He said the Government will empower the GB Council members and the affairs of the council will be dealt under their guidance. He said efforts will be made to utilize the immense potential in tourism, minerals and hydropower in GB. Our priority is to ensure law and order situation in this strategically located region, he added.

Peer Karam Ali Shah, Governor Gilgit-Baltistan appreciated the role of Federal Minister, Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan, and Officers of the Ministry and Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan Division for presenting a balanced budget.