Tourism in Gilgit Baltistan

By: Ulfat Zahra

Bachelor in Defence and Diplomatic Studies Fatima Jinnah University Rawalpindi

Recently the decision has been made for tourism in KPK by PM is the preeminent initiative to take loans from world bank for the development and promotion of eye catching views in KPK. If such kind of strategy would be presented for GB which will become more beneficial for state. Tough, tourism contributes in the huge chunk of economy particularly those states which are developing. In this respect, Gilgit Baltistan is also considered as a part of paradise which is full of glimpse of God. This part of country encompasses the home of fresh water, biodiversity, gemstone and minerals resources. It is heaven for mountain-lovers, explorers, adventurers and researcher, from all over the world as it contains three different gigantic mountain series i-e Karakorum, Hindu Kush, and Western Himalayan range evenly the world second-largest mountain K-2 (8,612 meters) also located in this region. GB is famous for cultural diversity, mountain ranges, world largest glaciers outside polar region.

Gilgit Baltistan is the amalgamation of majestic natural attractiveness in places i-e Deosai National Park, Rama Lake, Domail valley, Atabad Lake, Naltar valley, as well as historical viewpoints including the Altit and Baltit Fort in Hunza. These are only renowned places beyond this there are many hidden dreamlands in the region which need to be unveiled

Intriguingly, the government although has been put their little bit efforts to introduce and instigate the Rama Festival first time in 2013 which helped the people to find new scenery of beautiful landscapes in Astore. Rama is 110 kilometres from Gilgit which administrative capital of the region. According to various sources, more than 25,000 people attended the event. From this episode, primarily Rama successfully get attention at local level but not at national level. If government facilitate and cultivate this area and put down chairlifts. Built metal roads, well establish hostels, transport service etc. which will lead to easy access, provide comfort and utilized by people. The administration must be diverted its attention from well-known places to explore fresh pieces of landscapes in such region

The tourism sector is being neglected by successive government in the region which is great fault of government. Tourism is not only boost the economy but promote the culture worldwide in which GB have fertile soil and their economic dependence is based on the selling of fruits and vegetables. But unfortunately, the political and social issue i-e sectarian conflicts reduced the inflow of tourist in Gilgit Baltistan. In 1998 the influx of tourists was 1,13,399, in 2002 only 2000 were in number and 2,544 in 2009. Basically these statistics shows the down fall of tourism in GB. Tourism is a grand strategy through which a state can gain more with less expense.

So, the government of Pakistan should allocate more funds in this sector especially for GB. The Federal government not only focuses on the few famous places but find out more and more tourist attractive places in Pakistan. The government and the local organizations need to play their role in rehabilitation of historical places where the large number of tourists can be attracted due to uniqueness of places. Along with this, the new visa scheme is also one of considerable achievement of management. Similarly, such sort of incentive must be provided for GB region as well as put attention to resolve the issues inside GB. If there would be established peace, then it will only valuable for outsiders but also the indigenous people as well.