GB Governor Mehdi Shah swears in Amjad Hussain as the new CM of the region in Gilgit. PHOTO: IPP
GILGIT:
A proposal to allow Chinese nationals to enter Gilgit-Baltistan visa-free, mirroring existing travel arrangements that allow British residents to visit China’s Xinjiang region, was presented to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and newly elected Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain on Monday as part of a broader plan to boost tourism and economic development.
The proposal was made during a high-level briefing on development challenges and opportunities of Gilgit-Baltistan, which was attended by Bilawal, Chief Minister and former Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira.
Officials also called for the construction of an international airport in Gilgit, immediate steps to end prolonged power cuts and measures to address the growing shortage of subsidized wheat.
Officials told the meeting that allowing Chinese visitors to enter Gilgit-Baltistan without a visa, just as British residents are allowed to travel to China’s Xinjiang region under the existing agreement, could significantly boost tourism and strengthen economic activity.
Addressing the meeting, Bilawal pledged his full support for the development of Gilgit-Baltistan.
