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