PM Khan is currently in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to inaugurate one of the world’s highest-altitude airport. He highlighted the importance of the Skardu International Airport as it will boost tourism in the region.
The Skardu airport is located at an altitude of over 7,000 feet. Its main runway is 12,000-feet long while the second runway 8,500-feet long. Built in the Karakoram and Himalayan peaks, the Skardu airport is among the world’s highest altitude airports. Important to note, the airport previously catered to only domestic flights. However, from December 2 it began welcoming international flights as well.
Speaking on the occasion, PM Khan noted that GB had the most beautiful mountain scenery in the world. He also lamented that people did not know enough about it because travel was difficult. However, the Skardu International Airport will change that as it increase GB’s connectivity.
As a result, it will promote both summer and winter tourism in GB. To further attract foreign tourists, PM Khan announced to establish luxury resorts in the region.
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He predicted that tourists, including overseas Pakistanis and domestic tourists, would arrive in large numbers due to the airport.
Tourism is an asset for Pakistan
“Tourism can become a big asset of Pakistan,” he said, adding that if Switzerland could generate $70 billion from tourism then Pakistan could also generate substantial income from tourism all year long. “We can make at least $30-$40 billion from tourism just in GB,” he said.
PM Khan assured the PTI government’s commitment to developing Gilgit-Baltistan.
“The people of GB will soon witness an unprecedented era of economic prosperity with revenue generation through tourism and employment opportunities,” he said in his address to locals at a jam-packed Municipal Stadium, Skardu.
Important to note, PM Khan also inaugurated the Jaglot-Skardu strategic road. Gilgit-Baltistan is the gateway to China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Therefore, this major highway will boost tourism in the area and start economic activities.
Read more: Understanding the geo-strategic significance of Gilgit Baltistan