Britain’s Governor Mehdi Shah swears in Amjad Hussain as the new CM of the region in Gilgit. PHOTO: PPI
GILGIT:
A proposal to allow Chinese nationals to enter Gilgit-Baltistan without visas was presented to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and newly elected Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain on Monday, mirroring the existing travel agreement that allows residents of Britain to visit China’s Xinjiang region, as part of a broader plan to boost tourism and economic development.
The proposal came during a high-level briefing on Gilgit-Baltistan’s development challenges and opportunities, which was attended by Bilawal, Chief Minister and former Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Qamar Zaman Kaira.
Officials also urged the construction of an international airport in Gilgit, immediate steps to end prolonged electricity load shedding, and measures to address the growing shortage of subsidized wheat.
Officials told the meeting that allowing Chinese visitors to enter Gilgit-Baltistan without visas, just as residents of Britain 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 promised full support for the development of Gilgit-Baltistan.
