Direct Flights Proposed Between Gilgit-Baltistan and China

Gilgit-Baltistan has proposed launching direct flights between Skardu and Kashgar to strengthen air connectivity between northern Pakistan and China’s Xinjiang region.

The proposed route is expected to make travel easier for tourists and businesses while creating new opportunities in tourism, trade and regional economic cooperation.

The plan was discussed during a meeting between GB Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Azar and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong. The chief minister said direct flights could also improve people-to-people contact between Gilgit-Baltistan and Xinjiang.

The GB government also proposed a visa-on-arrival facility for Chinese tourists visiting destinations such as Hunza, subject to approval from the federal government.

Chinese companies were invited to invest in tourism, mining, hydropower, renewable energy and infrastructure projects in the region. The Chinese ambassador said the proposals would be forwarded to the relevant authorities for consideration.