ISLAMABAD: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Hafeezur Rahman said that Gilgit-Baltistan Expressway worth Rs 82 billion would be the highest road in the world.
Talking to PTV News, he said that the road infrastructure under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would bring an economic revolution in the entire Gilgit-Baltistan.
“An expressway worth Rs 50 billion from Gilgit-Skardu will facilitate people of the Gilgt-Baltistan and another expressway worth Rs 82 billion from Islamabad to Gilgit-Baltistan will also be constructed under China Pakistan Economic Corridor,” he said.
He said the proposed Shonter-Astore road would reduce the distance between AJK and GB of several hundred kilometers. However, the construction of the proposed AJK-GB highway would help in reducing the traveling time from AJK to Gilgit-Baltistan for over eight hours.
He said trade activities would also boost through these development projects. “Road linkages would help bring the agricultural products of the area to various markets of the country,” he added.
Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman lauded the federal government for its support to the area and said the PML-N had approved multi billions rupees projects to bring the region at par with the rest of the country.
“All the imported machinery for GB will be tax free which is another great incentive by the government,” he added.
He said CPEC would not only help us in solving long standing energy issue in the country also develop road infrastructure and information technology systems. He informed that governments of Xinjiang and GB had a protocol agreement according to which people from both the sides enjoy visa free travel.
An international standard airport will also be established in Gilgit-Baltistan, he said.
