Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain has called for urgent safety measures on the Baltistan Highway, saying frequent traffic incidents and landslides are creating serious risks for travelers and tourists.
The chief minister made the remarks during a meeting focused on preventing road accidents and landslide-related incidents along the important route. He urged the National Highway Authority (NHA) and Frontier Works Organization (FWO) to take immediate steps to improve safety conditions.
The Baltistan Road, officially known as the Baltistan Highway, is an important transportation route connecting communities and supporting tourism and economic activity in the region.
CM Calls for Emergency Safety Measures
During the meeting, CM Amjad Hussain highlighted the risks faced by people traveling along the highway.
He said frequent landslides create difficulties for both local residents and tourists, while traffic incidents on the route pose a risk to human lives.
The chief minister called on the NHA and FWO to implement safety measures on an emergency basis, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safe and reliable access along the highway.
According to the government, ensuring uninterrupted and safe travel is particularly important for a region that relies heavily on tourism and road connectivity.
Landslides Remain a Major Challenge
The mountainous geography of Gilgit-Baltistan makes several roads vulnerable to landslides and other weather-related disruptions.
The Jaglot-Skardu Road, which forms part of the wider road network serving the region, was affected by flooding earlier this year. FWO teams installed a temporary steel bridge to restore traffic and reconnect Gilgit and Skardu. The GB Tourism Department subsequently advised travelers to remain updated about road conditions and exercise caution.
The recurring nature of such incidents has increased the importance of preventive measures, particularly on routes used by tourists during the peak travel season.
Tourism Depends on Safe Roads
The Baltistan region attracts tourists because of its mountainous landscapes, valleys and access to destinations around Skardu and surrounding areas.
For the tourism sector, road safety and reliable connectivity are particularly important because many visitors travel through the region by road.
The GB government has previously emphasized improving tourist safety and uninterrupted travel. In July, the Tourism Department said the chief minister had directed authorities to take measures to improve travel safety and strengthen tourism infrastructure.
The government has also highlighted the need for better coordination between departments responsible for tourism, infrastructure and emergency response.
Investment Opportunities in Tourism and Energy
During the meeting, Chief Minister Amjad Hussain also highlighted investment opportunities available in Gilgit-Baltistan.
He said the region has significant potential in sectors including tourism and energy, both of which could contribute to economic development.
The focus on infrastructure and road safety is closely linked to these sectors because reliable transportation is necessary for tourists, businesses and investors operating in remote areas.
Improved road connectivity can also help local communities access markets, services and employment opportunities.
SIFC Official Meets GB Chief Minister
Meanwhile, Special Investment Facilitation Council Secretary Jameel Ahmed Qureshi met Chief Minister Amjad Hussain and briefed him on efforts to attract international investors.
The discussion covered investment opportunities in the energy, tourism and other key sectors of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The meeting comes as the provincial government seeks to promote the region as an investment and tourism destination while addressing infrastructure challenges.
The government’s broader tourism strategy includes efforts to improve facilities, strengthen institutional capacity and make travel safer for visitors.
Earlier Focus on Tourist Safety
Road safety is part of a wider focus by the GB government on protecting tourists and visitors.
In September, Chief Minister Amjad Hussain ordered a review of mountaineering laws and safety procedures following incidents during the mountaineering season. The government formed a committee to review existing regulations and recommend improvements covering areas such as search and rescue, helicopter evacuation, weather forecasting, early warnings and emergency assistance.
The government has also been working on measures aimed at improving tourism management and safety across the region.
These efforts indicate that authorities are considering safety issues not only on roads but also across other tourism-related activities.
Need for Better Road Protection
The latest direction regarding the Baltistan Highway places greater emphasis on preventive action rather than responding only after accidents or landslides occur.
Safety measures could be particularly important on sections exposed to falling rocks, landslides and difficult weather conditions.
Coordination between the NHA, FWO, provincial administration and other relevant agencies will remain important for maintaining the route and responding quickly when disruptions occur.
For residents, workers and tourists, a safer highway can help reduce travel risks while supporting the movement of people and goods.
Infrastructure and Economic Growth
The call for improved highway safety also comes as Gilgit-Baltistan seeks to expand economic activity through tourism and investment.
The region’s difficult terrain makes road infrastructure a major factor in determining how easily tourists, businesses and investors can access different areas.
The provincial government’s focus on tourism and energy investment therefore makes reliable transportation infrastructure increasingly important.
As authorities consider additional safety measures for the Baltistan Highway, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on their implementation, maintenance and coordination among the agencies responsible for the route.
Also read: Landslides Block Karakoram Highway as Rain, Snow Hit Gilgit
