Skardu to turn into world winter sports destination, hopes PM

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday expressed optimism that Skardu would turn into a world winter sports destination in years to come.

The premier made the remarks on his official Twitter handle as he posted a picture of the scenic city in Gilgit-Baltistan and another showing girls playing ice hockey there at night.

"Skardu at night & our girls playing ice hockey in GB," he wrote in caption. "With an international airport now at Skardu, this area will InshaAllah become a world winter sports destination," he added.

Last month, while addressing a gathering in the city, PM said that with improved road connectivity and the Skardu International Airport, Gilgit-Baltistan will turn into a top tourist destination, ensuring economic prosperity for the region.

PM, who earlier inaugurated Skardu International Airport and the 164-km Jaglot-Skardu strategic road, had noted that a significantly improved infrastructure would boost tourism in the region.

He had stressed that Pakistan could earn billions from tourism through its scenic northern areas and diverse religious sites, and cautioned the locals to safeguard their interests as outsiders would be eying their property and land in view of the area’s tourism potential.

Also read: PM inaugurates strategic road, airport project in Skardu

The premier had stated that he was prioritising the development of the areas that lacked facilities of communication and health, including G-B, Balochistan, erstwhile tribal areas, and southern Punjab.

In April last year, he announced a package of Rs370 billion for Gilgit and said that investment in tourism could transform the region. According to him, the amount was to be reimbursed over the next five years.

The premier had detailed that the package was aimed at focusing on hydropower projects, alongside local distribution network and tourism connectivity as well as on skill development and scholarships for the region's youth.