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Pak aims to set up Special Economic Zone in Gilgit-Baltistan

IANS | January 27, 2021 04:11 PM

SKARDU: After his party's victory in the elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's government plans to open a Special Economic Zone in the region to facilitate the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur has confirmed that the government is putting its efforts to set up a special economic zone in Gilgit-Baltistan.

"Federal government had acquired land for setting up a special economic zone in Gilgit-Baltistan under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor project. Efforts are afoot to start development work on the special economic zone, " he said.

Gandapur has been engaging with Gilgit-Baltistan ministers including wildlife and forests, excise and taxation, tourism, and health ministers and others for "extensive efforts to fulfil a huge mandate, given by the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in the recent elections."

Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had bagged at least 22 out of 33 seats of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.

"Both federal and Gilgit-Baltistan governments would follow an all-inclusive strategy to achieve sustainable development in the area. More focus would be given to major sectors including education, tourism, health and hydel power, " said Gandapur.

It would eventually lay the foundation of a prosperous Gilgit-Baltistan, " he added.

Gandapur claimed that the federal government had allocated massive funds for the uplift of Gilgit-Baltistan as it would create "massive job opportunities in the area" and would help provide basic amenities to the people.

Collaborative strategy would transform Gilgit-Baltistan into an economic hub of the country, " he said.
The move comes after Prime Minister Imran Khan announced forming Gilgit-Baltistan as the fifth province of Pakistan, a move that has irked India, which has said that no such decision can be taken as Gilgit-Baltistan is part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
However, Pakistan seems adamant to announce Gilgit-Baltistan as its province, a decision it maintains is being taken as per the desires and aspirations of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

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