ISLAMABAD
\nA meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan was held today under the chairmanship of Senator Prof. Sajid Mir at Parliament House, Islamabad.
\nThe session focused on the immense tourism potential of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), with particular emphasis on ongoing infrastructure developments and strategic policies designed to enhance the region\u2019s tourism sector.
\nThe committee while taking briefing on the development projects of Gilgit-Baltistan focused on financial allocations for both the Annual Development Program (ADP) and the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for fiscal year 2024-25, with particular emphasis on ongoing projects and the region\u2019s emerging economic opportunities.
\nIt was briefed that for the fiscal year 2024-25, Gilgit-Baltistan has secured a significant funding boost for its development projects. The Annual Development Program (ADP) has a total allocation of PKR 20 billion, with PKR 7.15 billion already released.
\nHowever, the committee also noted an outstanding throw-forward of PKR 138 billion for the ADP, highlighting the long-term nature of these investments.
\nThe Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the same period has been allocated PKR 13.5 billion, which includes PKR 4 billion dedicated to Prime Minister\u2019s initiatives.
\nThe outstanding throw-forward for the PSDP stands at PKR 99 billion, demonstrating the scale and ambition of ongoing government commitments to the region\u2019s development.
\nAmong the most notable energy projects are the 54 MW Attabad Hydropower Plant and the 34.5 MW Harpo Hydropower Plant in Skardu. These projects are poised to play a pivotal role in addressing the region\u2019s energy needs and providing clean power to local communities.
\nAdditional Chief Secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) provided a comprehensive briefing on the region\u2019s international collaboration. Highlighting key sectors where China is actively involved, the briefing underscored the complexities of energy and tourism development, as well as the need for greater financial support from Islamabad.
\nChief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan emphasized that while China is working on critical infrastructure projects in the region, especially in agriculture, trade, and special economic zones, Chinese investors have expressed concerns about the lack of sovereign guarantees for power projects.
\nThe high tariffs in Gilgit-Baltistan\u2019s energy sector have further deterred investment from Chinese companies. This issue remains a significant roadblock to expanding energy production in the region, where the summer demand for power exceeds supply by over 100 MW.
\nThe demand in the summer reaches 254 MW, while local production can only generate 122 MW, highlighting the pressing need for new energy projects.
\nDuring the meeting, committee members were briefed on the current state of tourism infrastructure in AJK, which includes 30 tourist lodges and motels, tourist information centers, welcome booths, and over 500 privately-operated hotels and guest houses. The committee was also informed about the operational Tourist Helpline (#1422), designed to assist and guide visitors to the region.
\nAccording to the Chief Secretary, the region\u2019s tourism sector has also been a focal point for investment, particularly in Baltistan, which is seeing increasing numbers of tourists, primarily from the upper and middle classes.
\nThis influx has spurred growth, but challenges remain. \u201cClimate change and tourism sustainability are major considerations for us,\u201d said the Chief Secretary. The region has developed ten management plans to ensure that tourism growth aligns with environmental conservation, and feasibility studies are underway for ski resort projects, air safari initiatives, and a cable car service. However, the lack of coordination in the NFC formula has created significant barriers to completing these projects.
\nIn addition to tourism, Gilgit-Baltistan is struggling with infrastructure limitations. The region\u2019s airports, particularly in Skardu and Gilgit, are unable to handle the volume of tourists. Skardu\u2019s airport, though larger, is still limited, with only ten flights arriving in the summer. Meanwhile, Gilgit faces even more difficulties, with fewer flight connections. A proposal for a new airport in Gilgit is currently under feasibility study, with hopes of improving connectivity for both tourists and local residents.
\nThe committee discussed several major tourism-related projects that are currently in progress, including the renovation and preservation of the historic Red Fort in Muzaffarabad, the establishment of a Museum in Mirpur, and the creation of a Simulacrum of Junjaal Hill. Additionally, the Skardu Airport, upgraded to international status in December 2021, is now poised to welcome international flights, further boosting the region\u2019s accessibility to global tourists. The airport currently operates 16 weekly flights connecting key cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
\nWhile the number of tourists in AJK and GB saw a slight decrease in 2023 (down by 3,990 visitors to a total of approximately 16,130), the committee remains optimistic that the ongoing infrastructure enhancements will significantly attract more visitors in the coming years.
\nOn energy, Senator Zeeshan Khanzada pointed out that power remains one of the region\u2019s biggest challenges. While hydroelectric power holds promise, it requires significant investment and time, with water availability proving inconsistent. \u201cWe must look into solar projects as a solution, especially for remote areas where hydroelectricity is not feasible,\u201d Khanzada suggested.
\nFurther investments in connectivity were also highlighted, including the construction of the Gilgit-Shandur Expressway, a PKR 50 billion project, as well as key entry points to the region such as the Babusar Pass, Khunjerab Pass, and Bisham.
\nSenator Prof.
\nMir emphasized the significant incentives available for tourism investment in Gilgit-Baltistan, which is designated as a tax-free zone offering low royalties, affordable electricity, investor facilitation, and a Visa-on-Arrival policy for citizens of 65 countries.
\nThe meeting also led to recommendations for improving the region\u2019s representation in national policy forums.
\nThe committee called for observer representation for both Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir in important constitutional discussions, acknowledging their unique needs and challenges.
\nThe Additional Chief Secretary concluded the briefing by urging the finance department to consider a one-time grant of 30 to 35 billion rupees to address critical infrastructure needs, including energy and tourism projects. He emphasized that without such an injection of funds, many vital projects cannot be completed.
\nThe Briefing related to Kashmir and its tourism and development projects were deferred for the next meeting
\nThe meeting was attended by Senators Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Dost Muhammad Khan, Zeeshan Khanzada, and Hamid Khan, along with senior officials from the relevant government departments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan was held today under the chairmanship of Senator Prof. Sajid Mir at Parliament House, Islamabad. The session focused on the immense tourism potential of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), with particular emphasis on ongoing infrastructure developments and strategic policies […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":455207,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-455187","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n