GILGIT, Pakistan: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that all the people of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) will be provided health insurance with the issuance of Sehat Insaaf Cards, enabling them to avail free medical facility at any hospital up to Rs 1 million.
While addressing the Oath-Taking Ceremony of the new 14-member Cabinet of Gilgit-Baltistan in the Regional Capital on Wednesday, the prime minister said that the under-construction 250-bed hospital in Gilgit will be completed.
Unveiling his plan for the development and welfare of the people of GB, the prime minister said that the federal government’s social safety and poverty alleviation “Ehsaas Programme” will be introduced in the region as well.
The prime minister expressed commitment to turn Gilgit-Baltistan into a hub of tourism. He said that easy loans will be provided to people to help them construct rooms at their residences for tourists.
Imran Khan said that 300 megawatts hydroelectricity will be generated which will be more than sufficient for the region. He said that two hydroelectricity power stations are being constructed; two others are in the pipeline while two more have been approved.
Besides, he added that micro-hydropower stations will also be set up.
The prime minister said that a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will also be constructed in GB where industries will relocate.
Furthermore, he said that the federal government will work on fast track basis on the provincial status of Gilgit-Baltistan to address the sense of deprivation of the people of the region. He said that a Committee to this effect will be constituted and it will work under timelines.
Meanwhile, the 14-member Cabinet including 12 ministers and 2 advisors was sworn-in at Governor House in Gilgit.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Raja Jalal Husain Maqpoon administered the oath to the Cabinet Members.
Earlier on Tuesday, Barrister Muhammad Khalid Khurshid Khan took the Oath as the third Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan.
