Federal Minister Aleem Khan Proposes Toll Tax for Tourists Visiting Gilgit-Baltistan for Infrastructure Development

Aleem Khan Proposes Toll Tax on Tourists in Gilgit-Baltistan to Fund Infrastructure Growth**

Federal Minister for Privatization, Board of Investment, and Communications, Aleem Khan, has proposed the implementation of a toll tax on tourists visiting Gilgit-Baltistan to fund infrastructure development in the region.

According to media reports, this proposal was discussed during a meeting in Islamabad with the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan, where the two leaders also deliberated on the role of the National Highway Authority (NHA) in expanding the region’s transport network.

Aleem Khan highlighted that a feasibility study worth 15 billion rupees has already been submitted to the Planning Commission to enhance safety on the “Rupee-Jaglot Skardu Road.” The study identifies nine key areas in need of improvement. The minister assured that efforts would be made to expedite the approval process from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

In addition, the federal minister addressed the long-standing issue of compensation for those affected by the expansion of the Karakoram Highway and promised to take necessary actions to resolve the matter promptly.

Emphasizing the importance of Gilgit-Baltistan as a major tourist destination, Aleem Khan explained that the revenue generated from the proposed toll tax would be used for the maintenance and development of roads. However, he made it clear that local residents would be exempt from this tax.

Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan welcomed the proposal and expressed full support for joint efforts to enhance the region’s infrastructure and tourism potential.