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GB uplift govt’s priority as steps underway to improve infrastructure, create jobs: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday, terming the development of Gilgit-Baltistan a priority of the federal government, said that special attention was being paid to improve infrastructure, communications, energy, education, health, and tourism sectors besides increasing employment opportunities in the region.

The prime minister, in a meeting with the newly-elected members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly belonging to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), who called on him here, said that the local economy would be further strengthened by utilizing the natural resources, tourist destinations, and mineral reserves of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Moreover, he said that providing quality education, modern technical training, and dignified employment to the youth was a key priority of the government, enabling them to play a role in national development.

He said that elected representatives served as a direct source of awareness of public expectations, problems, and priorities, and emphasised that, regardless of political affiliations, the sole purpose of leadership must be public service and creating ease in people’s lives.

Appreciating the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for practically proving their love, loyalty, and national unity with Pakistan, the prime minister told the lawmakers that the construction of four Daanish Schools in the region was in the final stage, and classes would commence there from next year.

Additionally, he said that the work was underway at a rapid pace on a solar power project of 100 megawatts and assured that the federal government was utilizing all available resources to ensure the timely completion of ongoing development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that an early warning system for climate change and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) had been installed in Gilgit-Baltistan to provide timely information to the residents and help them cope with adverse situations caused by weather conditions.

He said that effective communication between the federal government and local leadership was indispensable for resolving public issues, and ensuring better governance, and promoting transparency.

Assuring the delegation of considering their suggestions, the prime minister said that the government would work in coordination with them for the welfare of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He also urged the parliamentarians to play a constructive role, expressing the hope that through collective efforts, Gilgit-Baltistan would achieve immense development and prosperity.

Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the formation of a committee, to be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, which will review the actionable proposals presented by the lawmakers and submit a report. Other members of the committee include Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam and Advisor to PM on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam, and Advisor to PM on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah.

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.