SKARDU: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Thursday announced Rs 500 package million for the reconstruction of flood affected roads in Gilgit-Baltistan in addition to compensation for the loss of life and property.
The Prime Minister announced this during visit to the flood affected areas of District Ghanche on Thursday.
The Prime Minister took an aerial view of the flood affected areas in his travel to Uching from Skardu by helicopter. Force Commander Northern Areas (FCNA) Major General Asim received the Prime Minister at the headquarters of brigade 323 at Uching.
The Prime Minister was briefed by the civil and military authorities about the extent of losses caused to the human life and property. It was informed that due to timely relief measures the loss of human life was contained but the flash floods caused by snow melting and changing rain pattern inflicted substantial losses to the property and infrastructure.
The Prime Minister appreciated the joint efforts of Pak Army, Gilgit-Baltistan govt and NDMA in providing relief to the affected people and starting restoration and rehabilitation operation immediately.
The Prime Minister addressed a gathering of the flood affected people and announced aid of Rs. 500 million for restoration of infrastructure on urgent basis and early rehabilitation of communication links. In addition to this, NDMA will be provided Rs 150 million to strengthen the institutional response to natural calamities.
The Prime Minister said that the Federal government would provide all resources for the development of Gilgit-Baltistan so that it could make its economic base strong and sustainable. The Prime Minister said that demand of people for extension of Gilgit-Skardu road up to Ghanche is accepted. The Prime Minister announced compensation of five (5) lacs for those who lost their lives and 1.5 lacs for the injured and 2.5 lacs for completely damaged house to solace the grieved people as no amount of compensation can match the loss of one’s dear ones.
The Prime Minister directed to compensate cattle and tree losses according to local tradition. He directed to expedite damage assessment process so that the provision of relief is not delayed.
Nawaz Sharif said that this region would also benefit from China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects as this region has the pivotal position in this economic corridor. The Prime Minister said that this area has great potential and together with the people, the new PML (N) government of GB will change the fortune of region.
The Prime Minister appreciated the performance of the GB government and directed to maintain contact with the people and work for the development and economic well being of the Gilgit Baltistan.
Chief Minster Hafiz Hafeez ur Rehman in his welcome address apprised the Prime Minster that PML (N) has got mandate from all areas and communities of Gilgit Baltistan in the elections which were held in a just and transparent manner.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Governor Gilgit-Baltistan, Mr Birjis Tahir; Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Mr Hafiz Hafeez ur Rehman; SAPM on Political Affairs, Dr. Asif Kirmani and other senior officers.
INP
