Tourism, key sectors’ development in GB imperative: Aleem Khan

ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): President of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), Abdul Aleem Khan, on Wednesday stressed the need for effective policies and sustained efforts to promote tourism and other key sectors in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), saying the region had vast potential to become economically self-reliant.

He expressed these views during a meeting with IPP leaders and members of the assemblies from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), said a press release.

Those who called on the IPP President included former Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan Raja Jalal Hussain Maqpoon, Imam Malik, Haji Gulbar Khan, Shams Lone and Sardar Tabarak Ali. IPP Secretary General Mian Khalid Mahmood and IPP Punjab President Rana Nazeer Ahmed Khan were also present on the occasion.

The meeting held a detailed discussion on the recent Government formation in Gilgit-Baltistan, political affairs, and other matters. The political situation that emerged following the elections in Azad Kashmir was also reviewed. The party’s future political strategy, various proposals, and matters related to the development of the region were also discussed. It was briefed during the meeting that the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party had been allocated key portfolios in Gilgit-Baltistan, including Education, Food, Industries, Water and Power, Prisons, Agriculture and Home Affairs.

Talking in the meeting, IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan said that Gilgit-Baltistan and the Northern Areas were blessed with natural beauty and abundant resources. He said the development of these regions requires only the right direction, effective policies and sustained efforts. He said there were vast opportunities for development in key sectors, particularly tourism, adding that with sound policies and better governance, Gilgit-Baltistan can become economically self-reliant.

Aleem Khan directed IPP Ministers to work day and night to ensure that the people receive the tangible benefits of Government initiatives. He said resolving public grievances, providing basic facilities and bringing visible improvement to the development process should remain the top priorities. IPP President said efforts must be made to discourage the spread of despair and convey a message of hope and a brighter future to the people.

He stressed that government responsibilities should be used as a means of public service, and that the people’s trust should be earned through practical measures.

The meeting expressed the resolve that the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party would continue to play an effective role in promoting public welfare, development and prosperity in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.