Federal Takeover of Seven Gilgit‑Baltistan Roads Aims to Revive Tourism

Gilgit‑Baltistan’s winding, often‑impassable mountain roads may soon see a new steward – the federal government. In a move championed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, seven stretches covering roughly 464 km are slated for "federalisation" under the National Highway Authority (NHA).

The list reads like a travel brochure of the north: the 54‑km Astore‑Chilim Chowki route, the 31‑km Deosai‑Skardu corridor, the 100‑km Skardu‑Khaplu highway, the 17‑km Skardu (Thorgu)‑Shigar link, and the scenic 36‑km Karakoram Highway segment from Naltar to Satrangi Lake. Two more arteries – the 121‑km Thalichi‑Astore‑Rattu‑Shounter road and the 105‑km Gorikot‑Shagarthang‑Skardu road – are already under construction and will join the package.

According to an NHA official, the proposal was first floated by Federal Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and then cleared by the Gilgit‑Baltistan cabinet. A memorandum of understanding has already been signed, paving the way for the federal cabinet’s final nod.

Why the hand‑over? The mountains are beautiful, but they are also brutal. Landslides, mud‑flows, avalanches, flash floods and occasional glacial‑lake outburst floods routinely seal off passes, stranding tourists and locals alike. By putting these routes under NHA’s care, the centre hopes to standardise construction, widening, rehabilitation and, crucially, long‑term maintenance.

Funding, the official added, will come from the federal treasury. Previously, the Gilgit‑Baltistan government bore the cost of routine upkeep, a burden that often left roads in a state of perpetual repair. There’s also talk of a modest toll on visitors – with a full exemption for residents – the revenue from which would be ploughed straight back into the road network.

Stakeholders in the tourism sector have welcomed the plan. Ikram Baig, president of the GB Association of Tour Operators, says frequent blockages have been a “serious issue”, turning what should be a memorable journey into a stranded nightmare. Hotel manager Asghar Khan of Serena Hotel echoes the sentiment, noting that tourists regularly cancel trips when routes are closed, damaging the region’s reputation.

Even local transporters see a bright side. Ayaz Ahmed Shigri, general secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan and guest‑house owner, believes a reliable road backbone could finally match the region’s natural allure with accessible infrastructure.

Tourism minister Naiknaam Karim summed it up simply: “Accessibility is the cornerstone of tourism development.” With the NHA’s greater resources and expertise, officials are hopeful that the once‑isolated valleys will soon welcome a steadier stream of visitors, turning Gilgit‑Baltistan into the high‑altitude gem it deserves to be.