Green Tourism Limited faces backlash over tourism site takeover

In recent times, the federal government of Pakistan has been at the center of public scrutiny regarding its management of tourism sites in the northern regions of the country. Following protests in Azad Jammu Kashmir, a new wave of discontent is brewing in Gilgit-Baltistan due to the transfer of 44 tourism sites to Green Tourism Limited, a company with ties to the military.

Local residents and various political and civil society groups have expressed strong opposition to this move, fearing the long-term implications of handing over control of these sites to a private entity. The leased properties, which include guest houses, motels, and forest department locations, are now under a 30-year agreement with Green Tourism Limited.

The government justifies this decision as a means to attract investment and revitalize the tourism industry in Gilgit-Baltistan, which has been struggling with inefficiencies and financial challenges. Green Tourism Limited plans to collaborate with the government to develop tourism sites across the region, aiming to create job opportunities, preserve local culture, and ensure environmental sustainability.

While some see this partnership as a positive step towards improving tourism infrastructure, others argue that local businesses should have been prioritized over a centralized corporation. The agreement between the Gilgit-Baltistan government and Green Tourism Limited marks a significant shift in the management of tourism assets in the region.

The controversy surrounding the transfer of tourism sites in Gilgit-Baltistan highlights the delicate balance between economic development and local autonomy. As the region navigates through these changes, it is essential for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to ensure that the interests of both the community and the tourism industry are safeguarded.