GILGIT: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan on Friday returned to Islamabad by a chopper after spending four days in Baltistan region with his two children and a nephew.

Imran Khan’s visit to the region was purely a personnel trip as he avoided any political activity, and spent time visiting tourist resorts with local people.

PTI GB secretary information Taqi Akhunzada told Dawn that Imran Khan with his sons, Salman and Qasim, and a nephew Azim Khan, departed for Skardu from Islamabad through a private airline on Tuesday morning. However, he said due to bad weather the flight landed back at Islamabad airport.

Mr Akhunzada said as Mr Khan was passionate to visit GB he hired a private helicopter and reached Skardu on the same day. “After his arrival in Skardu, Khan trekked in famous Kachora, and stayed at Shigar fort. On the second day, Khan visited K2 base camp for trekking,” explained the PTI office-bearer.

He said on the way back Mr Khan met local people, ate local fruits and made selfies with them.

The PTI information secretary said Khan’s visit was personnel, adding he spent three nights in historical Shigar Fort. He said that tourists staying in the fort also made selfies with him. He said people also gifted Mr Khan a local Yak, adding Khan got mixed with the people and was satisfied with the security situation of the region.

Meanwhile, Khan tweeted: “The beauty and serenity of Skardu is amazing. We need to develop more resorts as Pakistan has so much potential. With the local people in Shigar valley. Enjoying our beautiful country with my sons. Small villages in Shigar valley remain untouched.”

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2016