* Clash between institutions can prove fatal for country
* Rs 870m allocated for Gilgit-Baltistan health sector
By Irfan Ghauri
GILGIT: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Tuesday that good neighbourly relations with India are not possible without the resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
We want good relations with all our neighbours be it China, India, Afghanistan or Iran. But we want these relations based on equality. We are an atomic power. Without a resolution to the Kashmir issue, good relations (with India) are not possible, said Gilani while addressing a public gathering in Gilgit. He said peace in the region was not possible if the dispute was not settled in line with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir. He also said that Pakistan wanted to resume the composite dialogue process with India.
The prime minister said elections in Gilgit-Baltistan would be held under the judiciarys supervision. He said a level playing field would be provided to all political parties.
Gilani said he was visiting Gilgit-Baltistan despite security concerns, as he had strong faith in people of the area who stood by him. He called for the elimination of sectarian differences, and said a few quarters were trying to disturb peace in the area by fanning sectarianism.
You will witness a well-established effective communication network, attractions for tourists, massive tree plantation and an efficient and modern police force in the area, he said, and asked the chief secretary to brief him on development plans for Gilgit-Baltistan.
Gilani also announced a development package for Gilgit-Baltistan. He said Rs 870 million had been allocated to the Gilgit-Baltistan health sector, and announced the establishment of a medical college in the area. He announced the provision of an ambulance for each district and tehsil hospital.
He said 150,000 metric tonnes of wheat would be subsidised for Gilgit-Baltistan, while a research centre would be set up to study horticulture.
Gilani also ordered that the Hunza Nagar district commissioner be appointed within a week.
He said Rs 6.5 billion had already been allocated for development in Gilgit-Baltistan and Rs 5.5 billion for capacity building.
He said 540 schools had been transferred to the National Education Foundation to improve their quality. He also ordered the establishment of a NAVTEC bureau in the area.
Gilani said a quota would be reserved for local officers in foreign and national training programmes, and announced a basic salary of Rs 6,000.
Gilani directed Gilgit-Baltistan acting Governor Qamar Zaman Kaira to allocate land for a housing scheme for the low-income group. He also announced a housing colony for journalists in Gilgit-Baltistan.
He also announced that the Skardu and Gilgit airport would be upgraded, and the Sost Dry Port improved.
Addressing a luncheon reception after presiding over a meeting of the Gilgit-Baltistan administration, Gilani said a clash between institutions could be fatal for the country.