PMLN presents comprehensive demands for Gilgit-Baltistan uplift
PT Report
Gilgit, March 19: The Pakistan Muslim League Gilgit-Baltistan demanded initiation of medium-term power projects to overcome the energy crisis in Gilgit city, where people have been facing load shedding of up to 22 hours everyday for the last several months. They also demanded greater role for the forums that contribute towards sustainable peace and development in the region. They also demanded completion of Chakarkot, Kargah and Bagrote power projects, while urging the government to take punitive action against the officers responsible for the delays. The federal government was also urged to address the grievances of the people of Diamer before starting the Diamer-Bhasha Dam.
The demanded were presented today in front of the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan at a huge gathering held in connection with the death anniversary of slain PLMN leader Saifrur Rehman Khan, who had been shot dead when he tried to stop an armed man from firing shots during a sectarian tussle. PMLN also demanded awarding to “Tamgha-e-Shujaat” for late Saifur Rehman.
Other demands made during the gathering included construction of a hospital planned by the Aga Khan Development Network. The PMLN leaders also lauded the Aga Khan Development Network for its development projects in the health and education sector. They demanded of the provincial government to facilitate the AKDN in construction of the hospital. Provision of health services and medicines in the state run hospitals was also one of the demands made during the gathering.
The PMLN Gilgit-Baltistan also demanded reinvestigation of cases registered against the people who had been indicted in false cases on behest of the provincial government and who were tortured in jails after protest started in Hunza Valley in reaction to the police shooting and murder of a father and son in Aliabad Hunza, on 11th August 2011. Rehabilitation of the people affected by the Attabad landslide disaster and the Miachar landslide threat were also part of the demands.
One of the demands was related to creation of jobs in the region and release of funds for vacant positions. Other demands were related to establishment of housing schemes, local bodies elections, regulairzation of SAP school teachers, increasing quota of Gilgit-Baltistan in PM Youth Scheme and Qarz-e-Hasna and provision of laptops to the students of Gilgit-Baltistan.
PMLN also demanded representation for the minority communities in the local bodies structure in Gilgit and surrounding areas.
Another demand was related to promotion of heritage, art and culture by supporting literary bodies and figures.
