Poor Road Conditions Stifle Tourism In Pakistan-Occupied Gilgit-Baltistan

Gilgit-Baltistan, celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes, is largely inaccessible due to poor road conditions, impacting both locals and tourists. For years, the administration in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) has failed to address infrastructure development, causing increasing frustration among residents over deteriorating roads and subpar facilities.

Asif Gohar, a local restaurant owner, discussed the significant effects of inadequate roads, insufficient transportation, and poor connectivity on tourism. He said, “Currently, the issues we are facing are primarily related to the roads and the poor facilities in hotels. We made the same request to the previous government as well. Roads and hotels are our basic needs. The tourists coming here have to face many difficulties due to the poor infrastructure, including road conditions. Many tourists who visit once say that it will be difficult for them to return because of the road conditions.”

Despite its potential as a prime tourist spot, Gilgit-Baltistan receives few visitors due to these issues. Gohar believes that addressing these infrastructure problems could boost tourism significantly. “Gilgit-Baltistan is known for its tourism, and if the government improves the roads and other facilities, 100 percent of the tourism will remain here. No one from Pakistan will go to Switzerland, London, or Paris; everyone will head to Gilgit-Baltistan. The reason is that tourists face a lot of difficulties due to the road conditions, which is why they are not coming. If the government focuses on this issue and works on it, all tourism will be directed towards Gilgit-Baltistan,” he added.

Local residents have frequently criticized politicians for making empty promises of development during election campaigns without delivering real progress. This inaction has negatively impacted all sectors in Gilgit-Baltistan, leaving the region’s economic potential largely untapped. As the community continues to push for better infrastructure, it remains uncertain whether the administration will finally address their concerns and implement meaningful improvements.