Gilgit-Baltistan CM Meets with Aga Khan Development Network Officials

Gilgit-Baltistan’s Chief Minister, Haji Gulbar Khan, recently engaged in discussions with key figures from the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Among those present were Nizar Mewawalla, the President of the Ismaili Council for Pakistan, Aziz Boolani, the Chief Executive Officer of Serena Hotels, and Akhtar Iqbal, the Chief Executive Officer of the Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan.

Appreciation for AKDN’s Contributions

The Chief Minister acknowledged and valued the AKDN’s sustained efforts across multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, disaster preparedness, climate change adaptation, and community involvement.

Request for Assistance After Floods

Previously, the Chief Minister had formally communicated with His Highness the Aga Khan, seeking support to address the extensive damage caused by recent flooding in Gilgit-Baltistan.

AKDN’s Pledge of Support

Nizar Mewawalla, representing the Ismaili Council for Pakistan, conveyed his sincere condolences to the affected families and affirmed the AKDN’s commitment to providing aid and support to flood-stricken areas, with a focus on enhancing community resilience.

Specific Support Initiatives

The AKDN has committed to supporting the initial recovery phase, the reconstruction efforts, and the eco-friendly upgrades of seven educational institutions in Gilgit-Baltistan. Additionally, they will focus on equipping with solar panels and repairing solar infrastructures in government healthcare facilities impacted by the floods, restoring potable water systems and protective infrastructure, and creating eight Community Emergency Response Teams in the regions hit hardest by the disaster.

Healthcare Support

The AKDN will ensure the distribution of portable medical devices and supplies to healthcare providers and establish mobile healthcare units to deliver quality medical services at healthcare facilities in the impacted areas. Moreover, they will soon undertake the prompt identification and care of 3,000 undernourished children and women in Gilgit-Baltistan’s flood-affected areas.