GILGIT: The development plans in Gilgit-Baltistan have gone heywire due to 1.7 billion cut in the Rs 5.45 billion funds by the federal government, sources in the Public Works Department (PWD) said here.
Targeted projects were badly affected due to financial constraints as the responsible quarters could not release the required amount during the previous financial year. During the restructuring process, the sources said it was agreed by the Centre that there would be no cut in the development funds for the Northern Areas but the promise was not fulfilled.
“Yes, the development plans could not materialize due to lack of funds although the Finance Division had agreed to provide funds according to the approved Cash Work Plan,” Secretary, Planning, Abdul Sattar told The Dawn.
Apart from the targeted projects, the overall progress of the uplift projects suffered in the region, said an official of the Public Works Department. The political leadership of the region had approached the highest officials in Islamabad who had assured that Northern Areas administration would be given the required funds but that promise remained a promise, the sources added.
NA Contractors protest cut in budget
Northern Areas Contractors Association staged a sit-in to protest in Gilgit against the reported cut in the development budget of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Leaders of the association said that they would halt the ongoing development projects if outstanding dues are not paid.
Speaking on the occasion, leader Pakistan Muslim League-N, Hafiz-ur Rehman, criticised the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas that he had lost interest in the welfare of the region. He called for a session of the Northern Area Legislative Assembly (NALA) to debate the issue. He assured full support to the contractors and urged all political leaders to come forward to launch collective efforts for attainment of basic human rights in Gilgit-Baltistan.
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