Gilgit-Baltistan

Gilgit | ReNews Pakistan
Karakoram International University (KIU), in collaboration with its China Study Centre and International Office, organized a special ceremony at the Pak-China border to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China and to honour Chinese experts who have contributed to Pakistan’s development.
The ceremony was organized with the cooperation of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan. It brought together KIU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abdul Razak, senior academic and administrative officials, faculty members and a large number of students.
The event paid tribute to Chinese engineers, experts, scholars and other professionals who have rendered valuable services in Pakistan over the decades. Speakers highlighted the depth of bilateral relations and the important role played by people-to-people contacts in strengthening ties between the two countries.
Addressing the gathering, KIU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abdul Razak described the Pakistan-China relationship as a historic and enduring partnership. He said that over the past 75 years, bilateral relations had developed into an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” based on mutual trust, friendship and a shared vision of economic and social prosperity.
He emphasized that cooperation between Pakistan and China extends beyond diplomatic relations and encompasses education, culture, infrastructure, development and other areas of mutual interest.
Associate Dean Dr. Manzoor Ali and Director International Office Dr. Sajjad Haider also addressed the ceremony. They highlighted the longstanding bonds between the peoples of Pakistan and China, particularly the growing cooperation in education, cultural exchange and development.
Following the ceremony, KIU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abdul Razak led university officials and students in a cleanliness campaign at the Pak-China border. The activity was organized in collaboration with KIU, the Forest and Wildlife Department and the Khunjerab Valley Organization (KVO).
The environmental initiative focused on protecting the natural surroundings of the conservation area and promoting greater public awareness about the importance of preserving the fragile ecosystem of the Khunjerab region.
Participants collected waste and encouraged tourists and visitors to maintain cleanliness and avoid activities that could damage the sensitive ecological environment. The campaign also highlighted the importance of responsible tourism in protecting the unique natural landscape of the Pak-China border area.
The initiative combined the commemoration of Pakistan-China friendship with an environmental awareness message, underscoring the importance of collective efforts to protect the region's natural heritage while strengthening educational and people-to-people links between the two countries.

Gilgit | ReNews Pakistan
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has released Rs 972.5 million for development schemes in the Diamer Basha Dam Project area as part of its ongoing Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) for local communities.
A cheque for the amount was handed over to the district administration during a ceremony at the office of the Commissioner, Diamer Astore Division.
The ceremony was attended by the Commissioner Diamer Astore Division, WAPDA's General Manager and Project Director for Diamer Basha Dam, Chief Engineer Construction Works, Director General Social Safeguards, Deputy Commissioner Diamer, members of the Dam Ulema Committee and local community elders.
According to WAPDA, the funds will be used for development schemes aimed at improving living standards and supporting socio economic development in communities surrounding the dam project.
The schemes will be implemented by relevant departments of the Gilgit Baltistan government under the supervision of the district administration and in consultation with local communities.
WAPDA and the Diamer district administration signed a memorandum of understanding last month for the implementation of the schemes. A joint monitoring committee comprising representatives of WAPDA, the district administration and local communities will oversee the quality, progress and timely completion of the projects.
WAPDA said it is implementing development schemes worth Rs 78.5 billion under the Diamer Basha Dam Project for the welfare of local communities. The initiatives cover infrastructure, education, health and other public welfare sectors.
Several major projects have already been completed, including Cadet College Chilas, Army Public School Thor and hydropower projects at Thak and Thor. Work on a number of other development schemes is continuing across the project area.

Gilgit | ReNews Pakistan
The Gilgit Baltistan government has decided to make disaster resilient housing a key component of a Rs 16 billion Climate Resilience Project, as authorities seek to provide safer homes for families repeatedly affected by floods, cloudbursts and other natural disasters across the mountainous region.
Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Amjad Hussain issued the directive after receiving a detailed briefing from the Planning and Development Department on the proposed climate resilience programme, which is being developed with support from international development partners.
The Chief Minister said Gilgit Baltistan remains highly vulnerable to climate related disasters, with flash floods and cloudbursts damaging or destroying homes in several areas each year. He stressed that rebuilding conventional houses in disaster prone locations without adequate resilience measures would leave communities exposed to recurring losses.
He directed the Planning and Development Department to formally incorporate a disaster-resilient housing component into the Rs 16 billion project. Under the proposed initiative, reconstruction and rehabilitation measures would be undertaken for homes damaged in vulnerable areas after approval from the relevant steering committee.
The housing programme is expected to focus on safer construction practices and climate resilient designs aimed at reducing the vulnerability of communities to future natural disasters.
The Chief Minister said rehabilitation of disaster affected families and the provision of safe shelter should remain among the government's priorities.
He noted that a housing colony for flood affected families was established in Bubar last year with support from the federal government. In another housing initiative, 200 homes are currently being constructed for families affected by natural disasters with assistance from the Sindh government.
The broader Rs16 billion Climate Resilience Project will extend beyond housing and include the development of environmentally sustainable and climate resilient public infrastructure. Plans also include safe drinking water facilities, sewerage systems and easier access to financing for local communities.
The initiative is intended to strengthen the ability of communities and public infrastructure to withstand the increasing impact of extreme weather and natural disasters while improving basic services across Gilgit Baltistan.
The Chief Minister also called for transparent implementation of the programme and directed that the Project Director be appointed strictly on merit through an open recruitment process. He said qualified professionals from all relevant disciplines should have an equal opportunity to compete for the position to ensure that the project is led by a competent candidate.
According to the Chief Minister, the Climate Resilience Project could have a wider economic impact by generating activity linked to housing and infrastructure development while supporting sustainable growth across the region.
With disaster-resilient housing now proposed as a central element, the project is expected to combine post-disaster rehabilitation with longer-term measures aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and reducing recurring damage to homes and essential infrastructure.