GIZ, a German organization and WAPDA have identified the potential of 40,900MW of electricity through feasibility reports but Gilgit-Baltistan is not linked with the national grid which is the major hurdle of taping the power generation potential.
Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman stated this while talking to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry LCCI) President Malik Tahir Javaid and other office-bearers, here on Thursday. He said that establishment of first grid in Gilgit-Baltistan is at the tendering process. No serious work has been done in past for Diamir Bhasha Dam but now situation is quite different, he said.
The chief minister said that land acquisition for Diamir Bhasha has been completed through transparent way and all record, in this regard, is available. A huge amount of Rs 12 billion is saved through transparency, he said. Diamir Bhasha, Bujni and Dasu would generate 4500MW, 7500MW and 5000MW of cheap and environment-friendly electricity, respectively that would reduce the oil import bill, he added.
While talking about the tourism potential, he said that Gilgit-Baltistan is the most wonderful area of the country and has a lot of attractions for the tourists. He said that various measures are being taken to tap the vast potential of tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan and focusing this sector for higher economic gain.
The number of tourists is increasing that is a good sign. Apart from tourism, mining, food preservation, the area has also a very huge potential for cement and herbal sectors, therefore, the business community should come forward to explore these opportunities that offer a huge dividend, the chief minister added. The province is also abundant with huge opportunities in energy and infrastructure sectors.
He said that PIA operation for Gilgit-Baltistan is not enough to cater to the needs therefore private sector should come forward and avail this opportunity, he maintained. He invited the private sector to join hands with the government of Gilgit-Baltistan and start flight operation for this area.
He said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has generated lucrative investment opportunities that must be availed by the local investors. Under this project industrial and economic zones are being established which will create ample employment opportunities for the people of this area, he said.
Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman said the Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif extended laudable help to the government of Gilgit-Baltistan in health and education sectors. "People of Gilgit-Baltistan are thankful to the taxpayers of the Punjab for helping generously", he added.
The LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid said that Gilgit-Baltistan is endowed with vast resources of metallic, non-metallic, energy minerals, precious/dimension stones and different rocks of industrial use. Gilgit-Baltistan has a bright economic future. CPEC is expected to bring an economic transformation in Gilgit-Baltistan because of infrastructure development, construction and hydropower stations.
Some mega development projects have already been started, he said. The hydel potential of the province can be harnessed if the government establishes a regional grid in Gilgit-Baltistan to interlink all the power potential sites. It is due to the absence of the national grid that the NEPRA's jurisdiction has not been extended to Gilgit-Baltistan, he said.
Fruits such as apricots, apples, grapes, pears and pomegranate are widely produced in this region. Dried fruits and nuts are also produced in this region. This region is ideal for growth of temperate fruits and vegetable and has a low insect, disease, and pest population.
Malik Tahir Javaid said that the other sectors in which there is a tremendous potential to invest in Gilgit-Baltistan are food and beverages, healthcare, recreation, travel services, skill development, mineral processing units, hydropower IPPs, handicrafts and retail. He urged the federal government to address the constitutional status needs of the Gilgit-Baltistan according to the wishes of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
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