CPEC expansion promises new opportunities for Gilgit-Baltistan: Prime Minister Kakar

Care­taker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has said the recently signed accords between Pakistan and China would open up new opportunities of employment and economic development for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The prime minister stated this during his meeting with GB Chief Minister Gulbar Khan at the PM House on Friday.

They discussed a memorandum of understanding signed with China to keep the Khunjerab Pass functional throughout the year for trade and other activities.

Several other measures to boost trade relations between GB and China’s Xinjiang region were also discussed.

He stressed the importance of deepening linkages between Xinjiang and the neighbouring areas of Pakistan, in diverse fields ranging from trade and investment to cultural and people-to-people ties.

Days after journalist bodies expressed displeasure over his remarks against media houses at a news conference, PM Kakar said his government believed in the freedom of media and considered it an “important pillar of the state”.

The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with Infor­mation Minister Murtaza Solangi at the PM House.

The meeting discussed the problems concerning the All Pakistan News­papers Society, Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors, and the media industry.

PM Kakar directed the authorities concerned to take necessary steps to meet the legitimate demands of the media industry. He said he would continue his interactions with journalists and media persons.

The meeting was attended by Information Secretary Zahoor Ahmed, Principal Information Officer Tariq Mahmood Khan and Managing Direc­­tor of Associated Press of Pakistan Muhammad Asim Khichi.