ISLAMABAD (APP) Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Syed Mehdi Shah said on Saturday that the government was giving special focus to several projects, including energy and hydel power, to bring speedy progress for the people of area. Talking to Pakistan Television, he said that the Gilgit-Baltistan region was rich in natural resources which would be utilized to improve the living standard of its people. He said that the government of Gilgit-Baltistan was undetaking different projects including health, education, energy, road, and hydel power with the financial support of the Federal Government. Replying to a question regarding initiatives of the GB government, he said that during the two years, employments were given to the jobless youths, besides increasing salaries in the police department. He said that a women police station and establishment of courts were also the credit of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). He said that the PPP always struggled for the rights of Gilgit-Baltistan and the present government following the mission of founder chairman Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was taking all important steps for the development of region. He said Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto made many reforms during his tenure. Appreciating the PPP present leadership, he said that the party had given an empowerment package to the GB, besides initiating a number of development projects for the area. To another question, the Chief Minister (CM) said that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto also took special interest during her government, for the uplift of GB. The CM said that Diamer-Bhasha Dam would bring economic prosperity and job opportunities for the unemployed youth of area. He said that the project would resolve the energy crisis in country. Replying to another question, he said that affected families of Diamer-Bhasha Dam would be given a compensation package. He said that all measures were being taken to improve the road networks so that tourism and business activities could be promoted in a befitting manner. Syed Mehdi Shah said that the Benazir Income Support Programme was functioning well across the Gilgit-Baltistan.