Astore | ReNews Pakistan
Gilgit Baltistan’s caretaker Minister for Information, Ghulam Abbas, has said that a principled decision has been taken to hand over the maintenance and upgradation of key highways in the region to the National Highway Authority (NHA). He stated that the move aims to promote tourism and ensure better travel facilities for the public; however, a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) has yet to be signed in this regard.
He said that under this initiative, the condition of nine major highways, including Skardu Khaplu, Skardu Shigar, and Astore Chilm Chowk Road, will be improved. The minister added that the cabinet has decided to exempt local residents of Gilgit Baltistan from paying toll tax at toll plazas.
Ghulam Abbas further informed that more than 8,000 applications have been received for 600 newly announced police vacancies, and the recruitment process will be conducted with full transparency and merit. He said the caretaker government is ensuring strict compliance with the Election Commission’s schedule to hold free, fair, and transparent elections.
He also stated that accreditation cards will soon be issued to journalists in Skardu and other districts. Regarding the digital media policy, he said revisions are underway in the previously approved framework, following consultations with journalistic organizations, press clubs, and journalists’ unions. The policy will be finalized and implemented shortly.