Investing in mountains

Thousands of local and foreign tourists are flocking to the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan and other nearby areas for leisure and mountaineering. However, in both cases, many tourists leave disappointed by the lack of facilities and the commercialisation and pollution in many prime tourist spots. The government needs to focus on security and provide necessary facilities for climbers and tourists, while ensuring that priority is given to eco-tourism initiatives that leave the area pristine for future generations and native flora and fauna. Attracting people is never going to be a problem, simply because peaks such as K-2, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak and several others in the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges are unrivalled, while western Pakistan is also lush with scenic mountains in the Hindu Kush and Hindu Raj ranges, all the way down to the smaller Sulaiman Mountains in Balochistan and K-P.

We already have the attractions, we just need to be able to capitalise on this potential and ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors. For too long, the focus has been on mountaineers, who are willing to accept sub-par facilities because their priority is scaling specific mountains. Eco-tourists and family tourists, however, need certain conveniences and facilities to make destinations attractive. This is especially true for big spenders who are unlikely to risk life and limb to see the mountains of Pakistan when safer — although smaller — peaks are available in other countries.

Improving security, infrastructure and transportation will not only benefit tourists but also the local community, potentially leading to significant socioeconomic gains. By investing in training and support for local communities, from porters and guides to restaurateurs and eco-friendly lodging, we can bolster the tourism industry and create economic opportunities for local residents. By addressing these key factors, we can create an environment that is both attractive and safe for adventurers and tourists, while also supporting the local economy and preserving the natural beauty of this remarkable region.