Islamabad: AI Geo Navigators hosted an official dinner reception in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to exchange ideas, strengthen professional connections, and discuss the growing challenges and opportunities related to climate change and technology in the region.
The event brought together government officials, development organizations, private-sector representatives, technical experts, media professionals, and other key stakeholders.
The gathering provided a platform for meaningful discussions on the role of Artificial Intelligence, geospatial technology, remote sensing, and climate intelligence in addressing environmental and climate-related challenges in Gilgit-Baltistan, said a press release issued here on Sunday.
Participants explored how emerging technologies and data-driven approaches can support better environmental monitoring, disaster risk reduction, climate risk assessment, and informed decision-making.
The discussion also shed light on the significance of combining modern technologies with local knowledge, technical expertise, and on-ground understanding to develop practical and context-specific solutions for the mountainous communities of GB.
The dinner was attended by representatives from various government departments, development organizations, technical institutions, private-sector organizations, and media bodies.
Participants included Dr Atiq, Secretary, Planning and Development; Shahzeb Shaikh (PAS), Secretary, Mines and Minerals; Abbas Ali, Additional Secretary, Tourism; Ahmad Khan, Additional Secretary, Water and Power Department; Ghulam Muhammad, Deputy Secretary, Water and Power Department; Muzaffar Wali, DS, MILC; Shaika Inayat, DS, FW and E; Col. Sajjad, NLC, Gilgit-Baltistan; Liaqat Shah, Assistant Manager, NLC GB; Dr. M. Iqbal, SUPARCO; Shahid, DG, BUI; M. Anjum, Techflow Consultant Pvt. Ltd.; M. Azeem, Communication and Works (C and W), Regional; Ghafar Khan, Head of HR and Administration, GPRSP; Junaid Abbas, Assistant Director, CCA, PRCS; Shahid, Gilgit Media Network; Asghar, Forest Department; Mishal, Local Government and Rural Development (LG and RD); Suman Riaz, Local Government and Rural Development Department; Sadaqat Ali, Additional Deputy Commissioner; Khadim Hussain, Director, EPA; Qurban, AKAHD; Samina, AKAHD; Dildar Ahmed, Communication and Works (C and W) Department; Haider Raz
a, WWF-Pakistan; and Tahir Rana, Gilgit Press Club.
The diverse participation brought together perspectives from public institutions, development organizations, technical bodies, the private sector, and media, creating an opportunity for cross-sector dialogue on the region’s environmental and climate challenges.
Participants discussed how modern technologies, when combined with local expertise and institutional knowledge, can contribute to improved environmental monitoring, disaster preparedness, climate intelligence, and climate-resilient development.
The discussions also emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration among relevant stakeholders to develop solutions that are responsive to the needs and realities of communities in mountainous regions.