Pakistan’s Gilgit Baltistan Development Projects received a major boost as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the region to inaugurate several public welfare initiatives. During his visit, the prime minister attended groundbreaking ceremonies and interacted with students, saying he was pleased to visit one of Pakistan’s most beautiful regions and meet talented youth.
As part of the Gilgit Baltistan Development Projects, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated Safe City projects in Gilgit and Skardu. He also launched an expanded program for the distribution of free solar panels across the region. In addition, he laid the foundation stone for a 100-megawatt solar energy project aimed at improving energy availability in the area.
The prime minister directed authorities to ensure the solar energy project is completed by the middle of next year. He emphasized the importance of renewable energy and said modern energy solutions would help improve the quality of life for local residents while supporting economic growth in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Addressing a ceremony, Shehbaz Sharif praised high-achieving students and stated that hardworking youth are the pride of Pakistan. He said laptops were awarded purely on merit and not as political favors. According to the prime minister, deserving students from financially weaker backgrounds were also included in the scheme based on their academic performance.
The Gilgit Baltistan Development Projects also included a major announcement regarding education. The prime minister said four Daanish Schools would be established in Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar, and Skardu. Separate campuses for boys and girls will be developed, and students will receive free, high-quality education along with modern facilities.
Shehbaz Sharif stated that the idea of Daanish Schools was originally introduced during his tenure as chief minister of Punjab to provide educational opportunities to deserving students. He added that the government remains committed to equal development across all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan to strengthen national progress.
The prime minister also spoke about Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and diplomacy. He said Pakistan played an effective political and strategic role in supporting mediation and ceasefire efforts between Iran and the United States. He further stated that the country’s contributions to regional peace would be remembered for years to come.
