Negligence In National-Interest Projects Will Not Be Tolerated, Says Amjad Hussain

GILGIT: (Staff Reporter) – Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain has directed authorities to accelerate implementation of the Land Reforms Act and introduce comprehensive measures to improve public service delivery and strengthen government institutions.

Chairing a meeting attended by the provincial Home Secretary, Senior Member Board of Revenue, commissioners and deputy commissioners, the chief minister said the Land Reforms Act had fulfilled a longstanding demand of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

He directed every deputy commissioner to identify one village in their respective district and develop it as a model village under the new land reforms framework. He stressed that implementation of the law should proceed without unnecessary delays.

The chief minister also expressed concern over the continued delay in compensation payments to landowners affected by the 54MW Attabad Power Project in Hunza. He instructed the Hunza deputy commissioner to ensure that outstanding compensation is paid to affected residents immediately.

Calling the Attabad project crucial to addressing Gilgit-Baltistan’s electricity shortage, Amjad Hussain warned that negligence or delays in projects of national importance would not be tolerated.

He also directed deputy commissioners to take action against the sale of substandard products in local markets and ensure strict compliance with officially approved prices.

Citizen Complaint Cell Launched

Separately, Chief Minister Amjad Hussain inaugurated a Citizen Complaint Cell at the Chief Minister Secretariat, describing it as part of the government’s efforts to resolve public grievances and improve access to basic services.

Under the new mechanism, citizens will be able to submit complaints and grievances, after which the relevant departments will be directed to take action. An online tracking facility will also allow applicants to monitor the progress of their complaints.

The chief minister instructed the IT team to expand the system by introducing WhatsApp and mobile application-based services, making the complaint mechanism easier to access.

He said the government was using all available resources to promote good governance and improve the delivery of public services.

Tribute Paid To Danyor Manugah Nullah Martyrs

Earlier, the chief minister attended a ceremony commemorating those who lost their lives in the Danyor Manugah Nullah tragedy.

He paid tribute to the victims, who died while voluntarily taking part in efforts to restore the water channel supplying Danyor and Muhammadabad. Amjad Hussain described them as community heroes and assured their families and those injured in the incident of full government support.

He announced that construction of a road at Manugah Nullah would be included in the Annual Development Programme for the next financial year. He also announced a dedicated project to strengthen the water channel with community participation.

The chief minister said work was already underway to channelise nullahs across Gilgit-Baltistan to reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters.

NATCO To Be Modernised

During a separate meeting on reforms in Northern Areas Transport Corporation (NATCO), Amjad Hussain said the organisation would be modernised and transformed into a financially sustainable and profitable institution.

He directed NATCO management to adopt commercial models to increase its own revenues and reduce dependence on government grants.

The chief minister also called for commercial use of NATCO-owned land, expansion of service routes and petrol stations, and greater engagement with the private sector to improve the organisation’s operational capacity.

Karakoram Cooperative Bank Reforms Ordered

In another meeting concerning Karakoram Cooperative Bank Limited, the chief minister directed authorities to speed up digitalisation and introduce modern reforms in accordance with State Bank of Pakistan requirements.

He stressed the need for the bank to adopt modern technology and implement recommendations provided by qualified consultants to strengthen its operations.

Amjad Hussain further ordered officials to take immediate steps towards securing scheduled bank status for the Karakoram Cooperative Bank while ensuring its institutional protection, financial stability and long-term sustainability.