Federal govt to develop seven roads spanning 464km in Gilgit-Baltistan to boost tourism

Seven roads in Gilgit-Baltistan, together measuring 464 kilometres, have been picked by the federal government for federalisation under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's tourism initiative, according to Dawn, which cited official sources. Under the proposal, the National Highway Authority (NHA) would take charge of building, widening, rehabilitating and maintaining them over the long run, with federal funds replacing costs the GB government previously bore. The GB cabinet has approved the plan and a memorandum of understanding has been signed, but federal cabinet approval is still needed.

Two of the seven, the 121km Thalichi-Astore-Rattu-Shounter and 105km Gorikot-Shagarthang-Skardu roads, are already under construction, while the other five include the 100km Skardu-Khaplu and 54km Astore-Chilim Chowki routes. The proposal would also levy tolls on visitors to the region, with local residents fully exempt, and the money raised would be spent on the road network.

Landslides, mudflows, avalanches and heavy rain regularly cut road links across the mountainous territory, with flash floods and outbursts from glacial lakes adding to the disruption. Tour operators and industry figures backed the plan, arguing that closures strand both visitors and residents and weaken the area's tourism potential. GB Tourism Minister Naiknaam Karim said accessibility was critical, while Ikram Baig, president of the GB Association of Tour Operators, said stronger road management could cut waiting time before links are reopened after blockages.