First meeting of CPEC Working Group held in Gilgit

Gilgit: A working group formed in Gilgit-Baltistan to propose development interventions under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project met for the first time today in Gilgit today.

According to a statement released to the press, the participants discussed various opportunities ushered by the commissioning of the CPEC intervention, and also shared ideas on how best can the region’s interests be protected by providing the locals with optimum opportunities.

Briefing the participants, Babar Aman, Secretary Planning and Development, said that a rail network will be developed through the area in the next phase of CPEC. He has said that a special protection unit will be formed, employing 700 people, for which permission has already been granted. He also said that 22 billion rupees have been allocated for establishing a regional power grid in Gilgit-Baltistan, to benefit from hydro-power potential.

The risks of environmental degradation, and the climate change, were also discussed. Establishment of technical institutes to increase employability of the local youth under various CPEC projects were also discussed during the meeting.

The participants agreed to meet again with working papers on various thematic areas.

Present at the occasion were government officials, including Secretary Planning and Development Babar Aman, Secretary Water and Power Zafar Taj and Secretary Health Saad Ullah Khan, Deputy Planning Chief Sajad Haider, among others.

ETI’s Ehsan Mir, AKRP’s Ghulam Amin Baig, KIU’s Dr. Saranjam Baig, Dr. Tassawur Rahim, and Assistant Professor Zafar Khan, along with other representatives of the civil society were also present.