CM Gilgit-Baltistan directs reforms to improve NATCO performance, reduce losses

GILGIT: (Staff Reporter) – Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Amjad Hussain on Wednesday directed the management of the Northern Areas Transport Corporation (NATCO) to take immediate measures to improve the organization’s performance, enhance its operational capacity and steer it towards financial sustainability.

The chief minister issued the directives while receiving a departmental briefing from the Managing Director of NATCO on the corporation’s performance, ongoing operations and future plans.

Addressing the meeting, the chief minister described NATCO as a national institution that plays a vital role in providing transport services across Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of the country. He stressed the need to adopt innovative business models to pull the corporation out of financial losses and ensure its long-term viability.

He instructed the management to introduce modern reforms, including the complete automation of the organization’s administrative and operational systems, to improve efficiency, transparency and service delivery.

The chief minister also directed the Managing Director to place all key challenges facing the corporation before the Board of Directors so that long-term and practical decisions could be taken to address the issues. He emphasized that the existing ban on new recruitment should remain in place as part of efforts to control expenditures and reduce the financial burden on the organization.

Highlighting the need to diversify revenue streams, the chief minister called for expanding the network of NATCO-operated petrol pumps, saying the initiative could significantly strengthen the corporation’s financial position.

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He further observed that the transport sector has undergone significant transformation in recent years, with modern transportation models being introduced worldwide. He stressed that NATCO must move beyond conventional practices and embrace contemporary transport solutions to remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of passengers.

The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting institutional reforms aimed at improving public service delivery, strengthening governance and ensuring the sustainable growth of NATCO.