GILGIT: Diamer district has nearly 55,000 children out of school, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain disclosed on Sunday during his visit to Chilas, calling it one of the most pressing challenges facing the region. Speaking at a public gathering, the chief minister described Diamer as GB's most backward district and said the government would integrate home-based schools into the public system to ensure equal access for children in remote valleys.
Amjad Hussain acknowledged past failures in resource utilisation but pledged transparency and accountability in future projects. He announced the establishment of the Diamer Development Authority to fast-track schemes and ensure benefits reached local communities.
Infrastructure projects - including sewerage, Safe City, and water supply - will be executed by Wapda, with the chief minister promising strict oversight. Healthcare reforms were also unveiled during his detailed address to the local residents.
Orders have been issued for the recruitment of more than 50 doctors under the Special Pay Scale (SPS), while facilities at the Regional Headquarters Hospital, Chilas, will be upgraded to address staffing and operational gaps. On employment, Amjad Hussain said 500 police vacancies would be reserved exclusively for Diamer residents to boost local livelihood opportunities and curb youth unemployment.
Wapda, he added, had announced 400 additional jobs for locals as part of the broader package aimed at uplifting the socio-economic indicators of the district. The chief minister emphasized that the provincial administration is fully committed to removing historical disparities and bringing remote areas at par with developed cities.
Local elders and community representatives appreciated the announcements, expressing hope that these measures would be implemented within the stipulated timeframe without bureaucratic delays. The administration has directed relevant departments to submit progress reports on a weekly basis to ensure that the newly announced development initiatives remain on track.