ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Shaukat Tarin said on Tuesday that the development of Gilgit-Baltistan was the top priority of the present government.
During a meeting with the Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan, Khalid Khursheed here, the minister said all possible steps would be taken to ensure timely provision of funds for progress and development of Gilgit-Baltistan through megaprojects.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister apprised the finance minister about the strategic importance of Gilgit-Baltistan and stressed the need for socio-economic and territorial development of the area, according to a statement issued by the finance ministry.
He also underlined the steps being taken to upgrade tourism to bring in more revenues for the local population.
While tourism is a big and growing industry, there is a greater need to develop transport infrastructure, promoting high-yielding crops and livestock products to place Gilgit-Baltistan on an all-inclusive development trajectory, he said.
The announcement of making Skardu an international airport will usher in a new era of development in the field of tourism, he added.
The finance minister assured of full support and facilitation on the occasion.
