The government has announced a five-year ban on new hotel construction near the lakes of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). The decision comes amid growing concerns about the rapid development that is affecting the natural beauty of the region.
Gilgit-Baltistan is home to more than 13,000 glaciers. This makes it one of the most glacier-rich regions in the world outside the polar zones. Every year, thousands of tourists visit GB to see its snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush orchards. However, the unregulated rise in hotels and guest houses is putting pressure on the environment.
Officials from the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Authority (GB-EPA) claim that construction is happening too quickly. “If we let them construct hotels at such pace, there will be a forest of concrete,” said GB-EPA official Khadim Hussain. He added, “People come here for nature, not concrete buildings.”
Many of the hotels are built by investors from outside the region. These buildings are straining local water and electricity systems. They are also increasing the amount of waste in sensitive areas.
Last month, a viral Instagram video from a tourist raised alarm. It showed wastewater being discharged from a hotel into Lake Attabad. This lake is an important freshwater source for the nearby Hunza region. Authorities quickly fined the hotel over $5,000 after the video surfaced.
Residents and activists have supported the government’s decision. Asif Sakhi, a political activist in Hunza, said, “Tourism should not destroy our rivers and lakes.” He pointed out that hotel construction has brought rapid change, but not always for the better.
Shah Nawaz, a hotel manager in the valley, also agreed with the ban. “Everyone has a duty to protect our environment,” he said.
Officials hope that this pause on new construction will give them time to set better rules for tourism. The goal is to maintain GB’s beauty while still welcoming visitors.
The ban is part of broader efforts to balance development with conservation in one of Pakistan’s most stunning regions.
In another tragic development, a child’s body was recovered in Swat after a 21-day search operation. Read the full story here: Body of Missing Child Found 21 Days After Long Search
