Incumbent enhanced GB power by 54MWs: Rehman

ISLAMABAD: Prime minister (PM) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday met with Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) leaders, GB chief minister (CM) Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman briefed Abbasi that during the past two years the incumbent has added 54 megawatts (MWs) of electricity to the existing 82 MWs, which was being produced in the area for the last 70 years.

According to an official statement, he informed Abbasi that recovery situation of power dues has witnessed significant improvement and stands at around 80 percent. Rehman said that work on establishment of regional power grid was underway.

He said that the two proposed power projects of 180 MWs capacity under China Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC) project will be instrumental in meeting the energy requirements of the region.

Rehman briefed Abbasi about various development projects including some landmark projects under the CPEC portfolio.

He briefed Abbasi about the efforts of GB government to promote tourism in the region. Increased Pakistan international airlines (PIA) flights to Gilgit will help promoting tourism in the region, Rehman proposed.

He apprised Abbasi about the progress on various landmark projects including establishment of a cancer hospital, medical college and cardiology centre for the people of GB.

Abbasi reiterated that the government was committed to development of the region and socio-economic empowerment and uplift of the people of GB. He said that CPEC project will create new economic opportunities for the people of the region.

Abbasi assured Rehman that all proposed projects relating to GB, under the CPEC portfolio will be pursued for their early finalisation and implementation. He said that Dir-Chitral CPEC link road project was being accorded priority.

Kashmir affairs miniter Muhammad Barjees Tahir, planning deputy chairman Sartaj Aziz and senior government officials were present during the meeting.