Gilgit-Baltistan’s uplift top priority of govt: Tarin

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin has said that the development of Gilgit-Baltistan was the top priority of the government.

He said this, while chairing a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council.

During the meeting, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar presented a summary regarding Attabad Lake hydropower project to be executed by the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), amounting to Rs25.40 billion.

The project envisages construction of a 54MW hydropower project located on the bank of River Hunza, towards the downstream end of Attabad Lake. The energy generated from the project will be transmitted to the load centres in Hunza Valley.

After due deliberations, the committee directed the government of Gilgit-Baltistan and Wapda authorities to work out an updated proposal ensuring sustainability of the project and present it before the committee for requisite approval.

The Ministry of Planning and Development tabled another summary regarding Pakistan Optical Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-02) to be sponsored and executed by Suparco. The satellite will generate very high resolution earth imaginary and designed for service life of at least seven years.

After detailed discussion, the committee directed to present a feasibility report of the entire project to gauge its viability in the long run.

The Ecnec also directed to hire independent financial adviser(s) for exploring funding options and strengthening internal financial capabilities.

The services of the globally reputed technical advisers and consultants may be hired for support in design and procurement, it directed.

Asad Umar, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms and Austerity Dr Ishrat Husain, federal secretaries and other senior officers participated in the meeting.

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