Private helicopters to boost mountain tourism

Move aims to improve access to remote peaks, strengthen high-altitude rescue ops

ISLAMABAD:

In a significant development for tourism and high-altitude rescue operations, private helicopter services are expected to become operational in Pakistan for the first time by April-May this year, President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan Major General (retd) Irfan Arshad said on Thursday.

In an interview, Irfan Arshad stated that the initiative would substantially enhance access to the country's remote mountainous regions while strengthening emergency response capabilities for climbers and trekkers.

"It is extremely necessary. Until now, helicopter operations have been handled solely by military aviation, primarily for rescue missions," he said.

He observed that the absence of private helicopter services had long constrained tourism safaris, transportation and logistical support for mountaineering expeditions to Pakistan's northern peaks. Drawing a regional comparison.

Expressing optimism, he said both the government and the armed forces were extending full support to the initiative. "We have made considerable progress. The government is serious about this initiative, and the army is also supporting the process," he added.

Efforts are under way in coordination with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Defence to facilitate private companies entering the helicopter services market.

According to Irfan Arshad, private operators will be authorised to conduct both rescue missions and tourism-related activities. "They will have permission for rescue operations as well as tourism safaris and specialised programmes, including support for certain agencies," he said.

He expressed hope that five to six privately operated helicopters would commence operations by April-May. The initiative, he explained, would include aircraft from various institutions, with some government entities also offering services on a commercial basis alongside private firms.

He further revealed that foreign companies had shown interest in joining the venture, including one Italian and one Nepali operator.