Islamabad: A Senate Standing Committee meeting on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, led by Senator Prof. Sajid Mir, focused on enhancing the tourism and energy sectors in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). The session, held at Parliament House, emphasized infrastructure development and strategic policies aimed at boosting tourism in these regions.
According to a statement by Senate of Pakistan, the committee reviewed financial allocations for the Annual Development Program (ADP) and the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2024-25. Gilgit-Baltistan has secured a significant funding boost, with PKR 20 billion allocated for the ADP and PKR 13.5 billion for the PSDP, including PKR 4 billion for Prime Minister’s initiatives.
Among the energy projects highlighted were the 54 MW Attabad and 34.5 MW Harpo Hydropower Plants. These projects are expected to address energy needs in the region. However, issues such as the lack of sovereign guarantees for power projects and high energy tariffs were noted as investment deterrents.
The meeting also addressed the tourism sector, noting an increase in visitors to Baltistan. Infrastructure challenges, such as limited airport capacity in Skardu and Gilgit, were discussed. Plans for new developments, including a ski resort and cable car service, were outlined, despite coordination barriers in the NFC formula.
Senator Zeeshan Khanzada suggested exploring solar energy projects to meet power demands, especially in remote areas where hydroelectricity is not feasible. Connectivity improvements, including the construction of the Gilgit-Shandur Expressway, were also highlighted.
Senator Prof. Mir underscored the incentives for tourism investment in Gilgit-Baltistan, which include tax-free status, affordable electricity, and a Visa-on-Arrival policy for citizens of 65 countries.
The committee called for observer representation for Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir in national policy forums, highlighting their unique needs. A recommendation for a one-time grant of 30 to 35 billion rupees to address critical infrastructure needs was made.
The meeting was attended by Senators Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Dost Muhammad Khan, Zeeshan Khanzada, and Hamid Khan, along with senior government officials. The discussion on Kashmir’s tourism and development projects was deferred to the next meeting.