The federal government has identified seven roads spanning 464 kilometres across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) for federalization under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s tourism initiative, with the routes to be constructed, widened, rehabilitated and maintained by the federal authorities to improve connectivity and promote tourism in the mountainous region.
Seven GB roads set for federal takeover
ISLAMABAD, Sep 07 (APP):The federal government has identified seven roads spanning 464 kilometres across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) for federalization under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s tourism initiative, with the routes to be constructed, widened, rehabilitated and maintained by the federal authorities to improve connectivity and promote tourism in the mountainous region.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the proposed federalisation covers seven key road links connecting major tourist destinations and remote areas of GB.
The identified routes include the 54km Astore–Chilim Chowki Road, 31km Deosai–Skardu Road, 100km Skardu–Khaplu Road, 17km Skardu (Thorgu)–Shigar Road and the 36km KKH-Naltar to Satrangi Lake Road.
The remaining two routes the 121km Thalichi–Astore–Rattu–Shounter Road and the 105km Gorikot–Shagarthang–Skardu Road are currently under construction.
Together, the seven roads cover a total distance of 464km, according to the documents.
The proposal has already been approved by the Gilgit-Baltistan Cabinet, while a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been shared with the National Highway Authority (NHA) for the proposed federalisation.
Under the plan, the federal government would assume responsibility for the development and long term upkeep of the roads, including construction, widening and rehabilitation.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening road connectivity to some of GB’s major tourism destinations while improving access to remote communities and facilitating travel across the region.
The move comes as the government seeks to expand tourism infrastructure in GB, where difficult terrain and limited road connectivity remain major challenges to the development of the region’s tourism potential.
