The Prime Minister of Pakistan has announced numerous development projects and plans for Gilgit-Baltistan on Tuesday, April 14, 2015. During a public meeting at Lalak Jan Stadium in Gilgit, the PM told the session that tourism would be promoted in Gilgit-Baltistan and mineral resources would be explored for the development of the area. He also announced creation of four new districts in GB — Hunza, Nagar, Shigar and Kharmang. Hunza, Nagar and Shigar are the famous tourist destinations in Gilgit-Baltistan and most of the highest mountains of Karakoram are located here.

The PM said that more projects worth at least Rs 40 billion are planned for the GB. He said the 175km Gilgit-Skardu Road would be built at a cost of Rs. 40 billion. A tunnel at Attabad Lake is being constructed to connect Pakistan with China while the Khunjerab-Raikot part of the Karakoram Highway is being repaired. The road will be linked to Thakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and later to Islamabad. The PM said that new roads would be constructed through Pakistan-China Economic Corridor (PCEC). A railway line would be initiated from Islamabad to Khunjerab, he added. He said a special force is being established for the security of KKH. He said that a 30-years policy for forests protection has been formulated.

The newly announced projects and plans are expected to contribute in the must needed improvements in the fields of tourism, environment, education, economy, infrastructure and social welfare of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.