1 hour ago
Shehbaz Sharif directed officials to accelerate federal energy and infrastructure projects in Gilgit-Baltistan. The push sharpens focus on India's sovereignty objections to work in Pakistan-occupied territory.
Image used for representational purposes only
Islamabad,Oct 31, 2026 12:48 IST
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed officials to speed up federal development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan and ensure the timely release of funds, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
The move is significant for India as Gilgit-Baltistan is illegally and forcibly occupied by Pakistan. The region is also a key part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC, which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Sharif issued the directions while chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Friday to review the progress of development projects in the region bordering China. Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain also attended the meeting.
India has consistently opposed CPEC projects passing through territories under Pakistan's illegal occupation, citing concerns over its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to state-run broadcaster Radio Pakistan, Sharif directed the authorities to remove all obstacles affecting development projects on a priority basis. He also called for effective coordination among the relevant institutions to speed up their implementation.
The meeting reviewed the progress of hydropower, infrastructure and solar energy projects in Gilgit-Baltistan. Sharif directed officials to complete the 100-megawatt solar power project initiated by the federal government for the region at the earliest.
The completion of the China-funded Naltar power project and the installation of digital infrastructure in the region were also discussed. Sharif called for regular monitoring of development projects, particularly those in the energy sector.
A report by a committee formed in July on the prime minister's directions was presented at the meeting. It reviewed the status of ongoing federal development projects, obstacles to their implementation and measures required for their timely completion.
Sharif is likely to visit Gilgit-Baltistan on November 1, Radio Pakistan reported, according to PTI.
Gilgit-Baltistan holds strategic importance because of its proximity to China and its location along the CPEC route. The infrastructure and connectivity initiative links China's Xinjiang region with Pakistan's Gwadar port.
India maintains that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including the so-called Gilgit-Baltistan, are integral and inalienable parts of the country. New Delhi has repeatedly asked Islamabad to vacate all territories under its illegal occupation.
Sharif's directions seek to accelerate federal projects in Gilgit-Baltistan, including those related to energy and infrastructure, even as India continues to oppose activities in territories under Pakistan's illegal occupation.
With PTI Inputs
- Ends
