Mountaineering Institute in Shigar Approved Under PSDP 2025-26
Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan endorsed the proposed Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) project titled as establishment of Mountaineering Institute in Shigar worth Rs. 970.51 million for the Financial Year 2025-26.
3rd meeting of the Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan was convened today at the Parliament House, Islamabad, under the Chairmanship of Haji Imtiaz Ahmed Chaudhry, MNA.Pakistan Achieves Historic Fiscal Surplus of 1.4% of GDP in 1QFY25
The Secretary, Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan apprised the Committee that National Economic Council (NEC) in its meeting held on 08.06.2022 has transferred the PSDP of the Ministry to Finance Division. Moreover, the monitoring role has been entrusted to Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. However, the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan has proposed the scheme for establishment of Mountaineering Institute in Shigar costing Rs. 970.51 million. The Secretary further apprised that the project aim to develop the skills and trained national and international mountaineers, rock climbers and tourism industry support person for the aspect of tourism industry in Giligit Baltistan. The Committee considered the said Project in PSDP and recommended to approve the proposal of Ministry.
The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan apprise the Committee about the observing of the days relating to Kashmir issue i.e. Kashmir Solidarity Day (Feb, 5), Youm e Istehsal (Aug, 5) and Black Day (Oct, 27). It was informed that these Days are being observed nationally / internationally every year. Moreover, Solidarity walks extensive media coverage, publication of articles, utilization of social media platforms, live coverage of important events at National and Provincial Level and leaders of all parties hurriyat conference are invited to participate in events across Pakistan.
During the course of Discussion relating to efforts and engagement concerning the Kashmir issue, the Committee decided to invite concerned Secretaries from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) and Giligit Baltistan (GB) in the next meeting along-with all details of their projects.
The Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also highlighted the efforts of Ministry of Foreign Affairs to show solidarity with Kashmir like highlighting Kashmir issue in joint communique with the president of Turkiya in his recent visit to Pakistan and observing the Kashmir days in their missions abroad.
The meeting was attended by the MNAs: Mr. Tahir Iqbal, Mr. Junaid Anwar Chaudhry (via zoom), Mr. Abdul Qadir Khan, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Ms. Farukh Khan and Mr. Riaz Ul Haq. The Ministry for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan also attended the meeting. The senior officers from the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan, Ministry of Planning and Development and Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also in attendance.
