GB Governor Mehdi Shah administers the oath of office to Amjad Hussain as the region’s new CM in Gilgit. PHOTO: PPI
GILGIT:
A proposal to allow Chinese nationals to enter Gilgit-Baltistan visa-free, mirroring the existing travel arrangement allowing UK 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 wider plan for tourism and economic development.
The proposal came during a high-level briefing on Gilgit-Baltistan’s development challenges and opportunities attended by Bilawal, the 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 blackouts 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 UK residents are allowed to travel to China’s Xinjiang region under the existing arrangement, could significantly boost tourism and boost economic activity.
Addressing the gathering, Bilawal pledged full support for Gilgit-Baltistan’s development.
