Mountain Development Network launched

Gilgit, Nov 25: Minister for Law and Planning, Wazir Shakeel Ahmed, has stressed the need to develop capacities of the legislators and executives for effective implementation of the new reform processes in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). He was addressing the launching ceremony of Mountain Development Network (MDN), at a local hotel in Gilgit.

He said GB is presently passing through a transitional period to get more autonomy within the federation. The destination of the region depends on our capacities to introduce good governance, he added. He thanked the Government of Germany and InWent-Capacity Building International for developing the capacities of the professionals of GB through its mountain programme.

GB Secretary Finance , Gul Baig, also highlighted the need to improve the level of social capital in order to tap the new opportunities in the region. He appreciated the formation of the network of professionals for a greater cause of mountain development.

It is pertinent to mention here that MDN has been formed as part of the mountain programme of InWent-Capacity Building International, Germany. Initially, all 108 members of the network are from Government, private, civil society and academics who have attended any of the capacity building programme of InWent. The purpose of the network is to serve as think tank for sustainable mountain development in GB through horizontal learning and systematic exchange of experiences. The network will organize a number of trainings, conferences and exposure visits for the members and professionals in GB during coming year.

Iqbal Day

The 133rd birth anniversary of the Poet of the East Dr Allama Mohammad Iqbal is being observed today (Tuesday) across the country with traditional zeal and fervour. Public holiday has been announced throughout the country to mark the day. The speakers paid glowing tributes to Iqbal while TV channels telecast special programmes on his life and works. National flags are hoisted on all principal government buildings. Exhibitions of books and relics have been held at Iqbal Museum Lahore, National Museum Karachi and Iqbal Manzil Sialkot. Meanwhile, change of guards ceremony was held today here at the Mausoleum of Allama Iqbal. At the Mazar of the poet laureate, guards of Pakistan Rangers assumed the duty. The Chief Guest laid the wreath of flowers on the Mazar and offered ‘Fateha’. He also noted his expressions in the book on this occasion.