GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Assembly has demanded decrease in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) fares on the Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad route to promote tourism.

GB Assembly member Nawaz Khan Naji tabled a resolution in the ongoing assembly session. The resolution demanded reduction of PIA fares on the Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad route.

The resolution stated that PIA charges Rs16,000 for one ticket from Islamabad to Karachi while Rs26,000 was charged for one ticket on the Gilgit-Baltistanto Islamabad route.

The distance from Islamabad to Karachi is more than that between Gilgit and Skardu to Islamabad. Despite this, he said, PIA charges heavy fares on the Gilgit-Baltistanto Islamabad route.

The resolution stated that this was unjust.

It said fares on the Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad route should be made reasonable for promotion of tourism.

The resolution has been favoured by opposition and treasury bench members.

GB Senior Minister Ubaidulllah Baig, who chaired the session announced to pass it unanimously. In another resolution, tabled by JUI-F member Rehmat Khaliq and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) member Fazal Raheem from Diamer district, the government has been asked to give compensation for land and other facilities for Diamer district.

The resolution stated that Dassu Dam, which is being constructed in Upper Kohistan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, affects Upper Kohistan and 35 kilometres of land in Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan.

People affected by construction of the dam in Gilgit-Baltistanshould be given compensation, it stated.

Published in Dawn, April 13th, 2023