Three-Day GB visit: Amir Muqam reaches Skardu, holds key meetings on peace, development

SKARDU, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Mar, 2026) Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam, has arrived in Skardu on a three-day official visit to Gilgit-Baltistan.

Upon his arrival at Skardu Airport, the federal minister was warmly received by senior government officials.

During his stay in Skardu, Engineer Amir Muqam held separate meetings with religious scholars and local elders, focusing on the prevailing law and order situation and measures to ensure lasting peace in the region.

In a meeting with Ulema and community leaders, the federal minister expressed deep sorrow over the reported martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and offered prayers for his elevated status. He also conveyed grief over recent unfortunate incidents that resulted in loss of lives and properties.

Highlighting the importance of the region, Amir Muqam said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have a proud history of sacrifices and patriotism. He termed the region a symbol of peace in Pakistan, adding that it has long remained a cradle of harmony and a major tourism hub attracting thousands of visitors annually.

The minister said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has issued clear directives to ensure sustainable peace in Gilgit-Baltistan while accelerating the pace of development projects. He appreciated the role of religious scholars in promoting peace and emphasized that maintaining peace is a shared responsibility requiring collective efforts. He assured that the government would ensure a transparent and impartial investigation into recent incidents and that those responsible would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.

He also urged scholars and community leaders from all schools of thought to cooperate in identifying elements attempting to disrupt peace in the region.

The religious scholars welcomed the federal minister’s visit and discussed the law and order situation, presenting their recommendations. They stressed the need for a fair and transparent inquiry through a judicial commission and called on the federal government to play an effective role. The scholars reaffirmed that maintaining peace in Gilgit-Baltistan remains their top priority and assured full cooperation with state institutions.

After concluding his engagements in Skardu, the federal minister arrived in Gilgit to review progress on federal initiatives and strengthen coordination between the central and regional leadership for peace and sustainable development in Gilgit-Baltistan.

During his visit, the minister called on Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah. The meeting discussed the prevailing security environment and matters of mutual interest, with Secretary Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Zafar Hassan, also in attendance.

The minister further held meetings with members of the provincial cabinet, various delegations, and office-bearers of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). The discussions centered on ongoing development projects and the law and order situation in the region.