Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday stressed the need to focus on the socio-economic development of Gilgit-Baltistan and said that investment in GB will bring economic prosperity there.
The President expressed this view while talking to members of the GB Council who invited him at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Kashmir and GB, Engineer Amir Muqam, GB Chief Minister Gulbar Khan, GB Council members and senior government officials.
The delegation briefed the President on the development and financial requirements of GB.
The presidential delegation assured GB that steps will be taken to develop health, education and road infrastructure to provide basic facilities in front of its people.
Apart from finding new ways and means to develop GB, he said there is a need to expand the airport in Gilgit.
He said GB is the gateway to China and has huge economic potential that should be fully invested for the benefit of the people.
President Zardari said that the delegation will discuss the issue of compensation to the victims of the Diamer-Bhasha dam in an appropriate forum.
Members of the delegation informed the president that the suspension of Sehat Sahulat program has caused hardship to the people of GB as they cannot access health insurance services.
The President said that the Sehat Sahulat program can be included in the Benazir Income Support Program so that the people of GB can afford medical treatment.
The delegates thanked President Zardari for showing interest in the development of GB and solving the problems.
President Zardari assured the delegation of cooperation and support in solving the problems of the people of GB.
