Green Tourism Limited sparks unrest in Gilgit-Baltistan

Recent developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir have sparked concerns about potential unrest in Gilgit-Baltistan. The transfer of 44 tourism sites to Green Tourism Limited, a company linked to the military, has raised alarms among the local community.

The decision to lease out these sites, including guest houses and motels, has faced backlash from various political and civil society groups. Critics fear exclusion from the region's tourism industry, a crucial economic lifeline for the area.

Green Tourism Limited, established in 2024, aims to boost Pakistan's tourism sector and create job opportunities in Gilgit-Baltistan. The company plans to market the region globally and prioritize sustainable practices for environmental preservation.

While the government defends the move as a way to attract investment and improve infrastructure, skepticism remains high. Assurances have been given that military involvement will be limited, with eventual ownership returning to the G-B government.

Despite differing opinions, the government is committed to leveraging private investment to enhance tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The handover of tourism sites to Green Tourism Limited has stirred controversy in Gilgit-Baltistan. As the region navigates these changes, the focus remains on balancing economic development with environmental conservation and local participation in the tourism industry.