Special tourism force to be set up in GB

E-Paper | December 05, 2025

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Inspector General of Police Sanaullah Abbasi has said a special tourism force will be established in GB to ensure the protection of foreign and national tourists.

He also said 700 personnel would be deployed for protection of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor route.

‘The tourism police division’ will be established in GB on the model of Thailand and Malaysia, consisting of over 600 staff, including one inspector general of police, one SSP, 75 sub-inspectors, 105 head constables, 315 male constables, 70 female constables and 70 official staff, said Mr Abbasi while talking to Dawn on Wednesday.

IGP Abbasi said the purpose of forming the special force was to ensure security of tourists. He said only candidates with English speaking skill would be appointed who could better communicate with the foreign tourists.

The special tourism force’s main office will be established in Gilgit, while sub-offices will be set up in Hunza, Nagar, Skardu, Diamer, Ghizer and Ghanche districts, he added.

Sanaullah Abbasi said there was no security threat to tourists in GB, however, these steps were being taken to provide better facilities to tourists and promote tourism industry.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2019

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RIAZULLAH BAIG

Apr 04, 2019 11:12am

I don't understand the logic behind it. It will ultimately increase the cost for the tourist. Every ten kilometers police in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral ask for the personal details of the foreign visitors center in the name of security. It amounts to the harassment and suspecting these visitors if espoinage. Instead of creating a new force please increase the capacity of the current available human resources. Will you do something about it please?

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M. Saeed

Apr 04, 2019 01:27pm

Very sensible and prudent step in securing tourism in Pakistan. A long way though.

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iztirab

Apr 04, 2019 04:08pm

could not understand this move as GB is the most peaceful region of Pakistan , specifically Kharmang, shigar, HUnza, nagar, astore,skardu and ghanchey districts are most peaceful there are less than 50 FIR are registered during last 50 years. So this move could be justifiable in the case of Chilas and some extend for Gilgit and ghizir district. Rather need to focus on the porous but beautiful northern belt of kpk and central and south balushitan

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Aslam khan

Apr 04, 2019 05:56pm

Tourists don't like going to places where extra or special protection is required. It gives a scary impression. They prefer hotels and tourists attraction with out machine guns, barb wires and guard dogs. This kind of overt security display only impresses our politicians but not foreign tourists. Take for example Dubai big tourist attraction with discreet police state security but no overt display of security.

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Moth

Apr 05, 2019 03:17am

Kudos. Our elite/rich class should begin this trend, they bring their families and relatives and promote tourism. I will be coming from abroad with my family to explore the natural beauty and history of Pakistan. I have regret that I lived in Pakistan for so long and missing this opportunity.

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