Pakistan: PM highlights tourism’s key role as he opens international airport in Skardu

Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that Pakistan’s tourism sector can play a key role in the uplift of the country’s economy and an international airport in Gilgit Balitistan’s (GB) mountainous region Skardu would give a further boost to the government’s efforts in this regard.

While addressing a public meeting after inaugurating the international airport, Prime Minister Imran Khan said GB was the most beautiful mountainous region and with improved road connectivity and facility of an international airport, GB was about to turn into a top destination for local and foreign tourists, ensuring prosperity in the region.

Skardu airport was previously used only for domestic flights. However, its status has been elevated as on December 2 it started welcoming international flights as well.

The prime minister said the airport facility’s elevation to international level would bring unprecedented changes in the lives of the local people.

'Switzerland of Pakistan'

The prime minister said tourism could become a big asset of Pakistan.

“If Switzerland can earn $70 billion (Dh 257.10 billion) from tourism, Pakistan can also generate substantial income from tourism. We can earn at least $30billion (Dh110.18 billion) to $40bn (Dh146.91 billion) from tourism just in GB.”

Talking about the importance of an international airport in Skardu, he said, “I cannot tell you how your lives are about to change with the help of this facility. You cannot perceive it now, but I can.”

The prime minister said that he had travelled far and wide around the world but no place in the world was as beautiful as Gilgit-Baltistan.

He assured locals that the PTI-led government would ensure connectivity of Skardu to other parts of the country so that the potential of local tourism can also be exploited fully.

The premier said GB had the most beautiful mountainous scenery in the world but lamented that people did not know enough about it because travel to the region was difficult.

'Religious Tourism equally important'

The prime minister also highlighted religious tourism and untapped potential of coastal belt of the country.

“We have not taken benefit of the blessings God has granted us,” he said.

He said the locals would benefit the most from surge in tourism as they would no longer have to venture far to seek jobs. Instead, people would come to their area to find jobs.

167-km Jaglot-Skardu Road inaugurated

PM Khan also inaugurated 167-km Jaglot-Skardu Road. The government had initiated the upgradation and Widening of Jaglot-Skardu Road which the prime minister inaugurated.

He lauded the National Highway Authority and the Frontier Works Organisation for completion of Jaglot-Skardu road project.

The prime minister said he was giving priority to development of the areas that lacked facilities of communication and health, including G-B, Balochistan, erstwhile tribal areas and southern Punjab.