A proposal to allow Chinese nationals to enter Gilgit-Baltistan without a visa was discussed during a high-level meeting on Monday. The plan is similar to the existing travel facility that allows residents of Gilgit-Baltistan to visit China’s Xinjiang province.
The proposal was presented during a meeting on the region’s development priorities. The meeting was attended by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, newly elected Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain, and former Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Qamar Zaman Kaira.
Officials said the visa-free arrangement could help attract more Chinese tourists, strengthen ties between Pakistan and China, and increase economic activity in the region.
The meeting also discussed other important development projects. Officials proposed building an international airport in Gilgit to improve travel and support tourism.
They also stressed the need to solve the problems of electricity load-shedding and the shortage of subsidised wheat. According to officials, better transport, reliable power supply, and the availability of essential goods are important for the region’s long-term development and for improving the lives of local people.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said he remains committed to the development of Gilgit-Baltistan. He assured participants of his full support for projects that will improve infrastructure, strengthen the economy, and promote tourism.
The proposal for visa-free entry and other development plans will now be considered by the relevant authorities as part of wider efforts to improve regional connectivity, increase cooperation with China, and boost tourism and investment in Gilgit-Baltistan.
