G-B economic needs reviewed

Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Prime Minister's Sub-Committee constituted to address the issues of Gilgit-Baltistan. Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Advocate Amjad Hussain and Leader of the Opposition in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman specially attended the meeting and briefed the participants on the political, constitutional, legal, administrative and economic issues facing the region. Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, secretaries of relevant ministries and senior officials were also present. The meeting reviewed various options for addressing the political, constitutional, legal and economic issues of Gilgit-Baltistan and discussed practical measures to ensure effective political and economic rights for its people, meaningful participation in national life and development of the region. Addressing the meeting, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar said effective participation of Gilgit-Baltistan in national life was a priority of the government. He said the committee was examining various options for resolving the issues of the region, while consultations were underway with the government, Gilgit-Baltistan leadership and other relevant stakeholders. Chief Minister Amjad Hussain stressed the need to further strengthen the constitutional and legal identity of Gilgit-Baltistan, saying a comprehensive and sustainable framework was essential to address the issues confronting the region. Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman said the views and aspirations of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan should be taken into consideration while finding a constitutional solution for the region. He said all stakeholders were united in efforts to resolve the issues of Gilgit-Baltistan. The meeting also discussed the economic and financial needs of Gilgit-Baltistan, including energy, tourism, natural resources, revenue and connectivity.