Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has urged the Gilgit-Baltistan government to explore new revenue-generation avenues.

He was talking to Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan in Islamabad on Friday.

During the meeting, the Finance Minister underlined the need to develop airport and road infrastructure as well as tourism spots to promote package tourism, especially for visitors from Gulf countries.

Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized responsible investment with strict adherence to building regulations and environmental laws, particularly in the areas of waste and water management to preserve the local ecosystem.

The Minister also recalled his recent visit to Gilgit-Baltistan and discussed the ongoing flood situation and related relief efforts, including release of federal funds.

He lauded the progress made in road infrastructure and investments in tourism. The Minister noted that the region is endowed with immense natural beauty and holds huge potential for tourism-led growth.

In his remarks, Chief Minister Gulbar Khan apprised the Minister of ongoing infrastructure development efforts.

He highlighted that Skardu International Airport is attracting significant traffic and plans are underway to upgrade Gilgit Airport to international status to further boost tourism.

Gulbar Khan also briefed the Minister on the Gilgit-Baltistan government's plans to strengthen public services across its ten districts by augmenting staff and providing improved career progression opportunities for senior officers in the GB Secretariat.

He thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the federal government for their continued attention to addressing the needs of the region.