CPEC projects to be completed timely in GB: CM.

GILGIT -- Gilgit Baltistan (GB) Chief Minister Muhammad Khalid Khurshid Khan Friday said the projects under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would be completed timely and meet the expectations of the population who felt deprivation during the previous years in the development process.

He was speaking at the "Regional Dialogue on the Role of Parliament in Promoting Trade, Agriculture and Tourism under CPEC" held here.

The event highlighted the CPEC projects and potential of GB in the area of trade, tourism, agriculture minerals and mines sectors for economic outreach under CPEC.

The GB chief minister said the projects of Raikot-Thakot Bypass and Gilgit-Chatral- Shandoor Expressway would open new avenues of development and investment for the people besides promoting tourism.

He said the tourism sector was on the topmost priority as it would generate revenue like other tourist destinations in the world.

He said power sector also had huge potential, if water resources were tapped, the energy crises could be ended and even we could be able to export it to neighboring countries.

He said GB was confronting with seasonal challenges and connectivity, adding that multiple inter-connectivity routes were much needed for uninterrupted communication.

Addressing the dialogue session GB Deputy Speaker Nazir Ahmad said despite huge potential of power generation no tangible project was initiated in GB. If government would seriously make efforts, fuel crises of the region could be addressed.

"The climate change in wake of CPEC should be addressed on priority and the prime minister has taken keen interest to combat climate change issues," he added.

He said the GB was hub for fresh waters, timely measures were needed to combat with rising challenges of the environment.

He proposed to finance the 100mw KIU Power Project and 80 mw Phander Power Project from CPEC.

Parliamentary Committee Chairman Sher Ali Arbab said the...