Asad Umar, minister for planning, Development and Special Initiatives has been directed to the Ministry of Information Technology of Pakistan. Therefore, the importance of IT is far greater for remote areas rather than in the large cities of Pakistan. Under the following circumstances, PTA will be finalising the auction of 3G and 4G licences in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) on priority.
Umar initiated his concerns while chairing a progress review meeting on the Gilgit-Baltistan development plan on Monday. As he said, “Generating economic activities in remote areas will only be possible through strong IT infrastructure in the future.”
Umar added that one of the focus principles is to create maximum employment opportunities for the youth and people of G-B.
Alternatively, Asad Umar called on the Board of Investment (BOI) to hold roadshows in two or three different cities in Pakistan. Where the federal and provincial governments could jointly market available public-private opportunities to potential investors. Umar also directed PPP Authority to assist the G-B government in strengthening G-B PPP Unit and help in the identification of private sector partners.
Furthermore, Asad Umar made his efforts to ease out the processes. As he directed the planning ministry to establish a strategy for training and capacity building of Gilgit-Baltistan officers. Hence he directed all the ministries and divisions to complete the feasibility and submits. The PC-Is to the Central Development Working Party (CDWP). So the activities on the ground could start as early as possible.
