Gilgit (The COW News Digital) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to visit Gilgit-Baltistan on November 1 to participate in Independence Day celebrations and review development initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, energy supplies and public services across the region.
The expected visit comes as the federal government steps up efforts to accelerate ongoing development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan. The prime minister recently chaired a high-level meeting to review progress on federally funded schemes and address obstacles affecting their timely completion.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain attended the meeting, along with senior federal ministers, advisers and relevant government officials. Participants paid tribute to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for their historic struggle against Dogra rule and the region’s subsequent accession to Pakistan.
During the meeting, officials presented a report prepared by a committee established in July 2026 on the prime minister’s instructions. The report examined the progress of federal development projects, identified implementation challenges and proposed measures to ensure timely completion.
Particular attention was given to hydropower generation, infrastructure development and renewable energy initiatives. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the relevant ministries and departments to accelerate work on ongoing projects and remove administrative and financial obstacles without delay.
The prime minister also instructed authorities to ensure the early completion of the 100-megawatt solar power project launched by the federal government for Gilgit-Baltistan. The initiative is expected to strengthen electricity generation capacity and support the region’s growing energy requirements.
Progress on the Naltar Power Project was also reviewed during the meeting. Officials discussed measures to improve electricity availability, strengthen counterterrorism capabilities and expand digital infrastructure across the region.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that providing basic facilities to the people and improving their living standards remained among the federal government’s key priorities. He called for effective coordination between relevant institutions to ensure that development projects were completed within their निर्धारित timelines.
The prime minister further directed authorities to ensure the timely release of required funds and resolve implementation-related challenges on a priority basis. He also stressed the importance of regularly monitoring development schemes, particularly energy projects, so that residents could benefit from them as soon as possible.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Aleem Khan, Musadik Malik, Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima and Sardar Awais Leghari. Prime Minister’s advisers Rana Sanaullah and Muhammad Ali also participated, alongside senior government officials.
November 1 holds historical significance for Gilgit-Baltistan, as it marks the region’s liberation from Dogra rule in 1947. The date is observed annually as the region’s Independence Day, commemorating the events that led to the end of Dogra administration.
The expected visit provides an opportunity for the federal government to review its development commitments and engage with regional authorities on infrastructure, electricity and public welfare initiatives.
