Gilgit: Gilgit-Baltistan officials have proposed allowing Chinese nationals to enter the region without visas under a reciprocal travel arrangement aimed at boosting tourism and economic activity.
The proposal was presented on Monday during a high-level briefing on Gilgit-Baltistan’s development challenges and opportunities attended by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, newly elected Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain and former Gilgit-Baltistan governor Qamar Zaman Kaira.
Officials said the proposed arrangement would mirror the existing travel facility that allows Gilgit-Baltistan residents to visit China’s Xinjiang region. They argued that extending a similar concession to Chinese visitors could help increase tourist arrivals and strengthen the region’s economy.
The meeting also discussed several development priorities, including the construction of an international airport in Gilgit, immediate measures to reduce prolonged electricity load-shedding, and steps to address the growing shortage of subsidised wheat in the region.
Addressing the meeting, Bilawal pledged his full support for Gilgit-Baltistan’s development and efforts aimed at improving infrastructure, public services and economic opportunities.
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