President General Pervez Musharraf said here on Wednesday that the government has initiated a series of projects for fast-track progress in Northern Areas and has envisioned a bright future for the people through development of regional economic links.
He told a gathering of the Northern Areas people that a host of health, education and infrastructure projects under record annual funding--which has been increased from Rs 400 million to Rs 4 billion in a matter of few years--has set the pace for their long-desired socio-economic progress.
"We are committing resources for rapid development of these areas and all is set for the progress of the local people, who will also benefit enormously from our vision of providing sea access to China and Central Asian states through Northern Areas," he stated, amid rousing cheers from the gathering which included members of NA Legislative Council.
PML President Shujaat Hussain, Secretary General Mushahid Hussain, Minister for Kashmir and Northern Areas Tahir Iqbal, Deputy Chief Executive, NA, Ghazanfar Ali Khan, and Corps Commander Salahuddin were also present on the occasion.
The President said that construction of the multibillion dollars Diamer-Basha dam, a network of roads connecting all parts of the region with each other, introduction of IT facilities, establishment of Karakoram International University, and many other projects, would help in bringing the Northern Areas into the mainstream of economic development.
"We will utilise more resources for your progress and allocate more finances than your rightful share. We are committed to bringing Northern Areas and Balochistan at par with developed parts of Pakistan as these were ignored in the past," he said.
However, he asked the people to extend their full support to the government in its efforts aimed at curbing extremism and terrorism. He said that eliminating these menaces is imperative for crystallising the dream of progress. President Musharraf also urged the people to foster tolerance, unity and sectarian harmony for their unhampered progress.
"I ask you to pledge today that you will forge unity and live like brothers to each other and shun any discord along sectarian lines," the President said as people raised their hands while conforming to his call for unity and brotherhood.
He said a peaceful environment and maintenance of law and order are essential for sustained economic and commerce activity and promotion of tourism in the areas. He lauded the contribution of NALC members, University students and Pakistan Army in ensuring law and order in the wake of recent incidents of violence.
President Musharraf said that the Diamer Basha dam would accrue tremendous economic gains to the entire country and herald a new era of progress for the local people. He vowed that the displaced people would be handsomely compensated and provided better living conditions.
The government, he said, was striving to transfer the benefits of macro economic achievements to grass-roots level and has prioritised three areas including check on price hike, reduction in unemployment and alleviation of poverty.
In this respect, he referred to record PSDP allocations of over Rs 400 billion in the annual budget, and added that the government was focused on bringing about a qualitative improvement in the lives of the people through provision of gas, electricity and safe drinking water across the country.
About progress of the areas, he said that all regions including Astore, Chitral, Boonji, Desai plains, Kaghan, Gilgit and Skardu would be interconnected, which would boost economic activity to the advantage of local people.
In the regional context, President Musharraf said that Pakistan and China have already entered into an agreement on improvement of Karakoram Highway, and added that establishment of rail link, gas and oil pipelines and even fibre optics between the two countries would not only further expand bilateral ties but would also bring unprecedented gains to the people of these areas.
Responding to the demands of the local leadership, he said that Pakistan International Airlines would fly new planes to the Northern Areas, and a 200-bed hospital would be established either in Skardu or Gilgit in consultation with them.
Earlier, Shujaat praised the hardworking people of Northern Areas and said that they are resolved to make progress befitting their vast potential. He said that President Musharraf was firmly committed to bringing about socio-economic uplift of the people of Northern Areas.
Mushahid said that the government was fulfilling the commitments it had made to the people in terms of their fast-paced development, and underscored the importance of containing extremism for continued progress. He said that President Musharraf's vision of enlightened moderation offers a way forward for sustainable progress.
Minister for Kashmir and Northern Areas said the last five years had seen unprecedented development in the Northern Areas as financial allocations have been increased manifold.
He said that improvement in KKH would help increase trade through the area and generate economic opportunities for the local people. Deputy Chief Executive of Northern Areas, Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan, welcomed the President and said that the people of the areas have great admiration for President Musharraf's policies aimed at wellbeing of the people. He also presented some demands pertaining to development of the areas in various fields.
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