The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan, has praised the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for its significant contributions to the region, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, disaster preparedness, climate change, and community development. This recognition came during a meeting with Nizar Mewawala, President of the Ismaili Council for Pakistan, Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels, and Akhtar Iqbal, CEO of AKDN Pakistan.
The Chief Minister highlighted AKDN’s pivotal role in helping Gilgit-Baltistan tackle critical challenges and noted the recent devastation caused by severe flooding in the area. He had previously written a special letter to Prince Rahim Aga Khan, appealing for assistance for flood-affected families and seeking support for their rehabilitation.
During the meeting, Nizar Mewawala conveyed heartfelt sympathy to the affected families and assured continued support from AKDN. He affirmed that AKDN agencies would actively participate in relief efforts and work closely with local communities to help restore and strengthen the affected areas.
AKDN announced an immediate action plan that includes the initial restoration, repair, and environmentally friendly reconstruction of seven schools in Gilgit-Baltistan. The plan also covers the repair and re-installation of solar energy systems in public health centers damaged by the floods. Efforts will be made to restore safe drinking water schemes and protective infrastructure, and eight community emergency response teams will be established in the flooding zones.
Furthermore, healthcare providers in the impacted areas will be supplied with essential medical equipment and materials, while mobile health units will be deployed to ensure quality care reaches those in need. A campaign will soon begin to identify and treat 3,000 children and women suffering from malnutrition in the flood-affected communities, underscoring AKDN’s commitment to long-term recovery and community resilience in Gilgit-Baltistan.
