Leasing of 37 Guest Houses to Green Tourism Pvt. Ltd in Gilgit-Baltistan Raises Questions

Social media is buzzing with discussions surrounding the transfer of 37 guest houses and other properties to Green Tourism Pvt. Ltd. According to a document circulating on social platforms, these properties, managed by the Communications & Works Department and Forest Department, have been leased to Green Tourism, a company registered registered on 1st January 2024.

This leasing agreement was formalized on January 26, 2024, in Islamabad. Spread across all ten districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, these properties include various guest houses and huts. Concerns have been raised by social media users from Gilgit-Baltistan regarding the decision to hand over these properties to a non-local entity, particularly highlighting the leasing of community-owned properties under the Forest Department.

At a press conference in Astore, political activist Abbas Mousavi and local Jirga leaders cautioned against any attempts to take over the Rama property, which is owned by the people of Astore Eidgah, Chongrah, and Patipura. Conservation activist Mehboob Rabani also voiced worries about the leasing of the Dhee Rest House in Khunjerab National Park, asserting its ownership by the local community, which is prepared to manage it.

In response, the spokesperson for the Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan, Faizullah Faraq, disclosed that 35% of the revenue generated from this arrangement will be allocated to the Gilgit Baltistan government. Additionally, the company will pay an annual rent of 20% of the land and building value. Furthermore, a Tourism Management Fund will be established, with the company contributing 20% of its profits. A Joint Management Board, comprising representatives from both the government and the company, will administer this fund to foster tourism in Gilgit Baltistan. These arrangements were facilitated under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which includes stakeholders such as the federal and provincial governments and investment board officials, aiming to promote regional prosperity through investment. The spokesperson assured that the military’s involvement will be limited to ensuring confidence and trust and that the ownership of all guesthouses will be maintained. Expressing dissatisfaction with the portrayal of the government as seizing properties, the spokesperson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding public interests. It’s worth noting that the KPK caretaker government had previously sanctioned the lease of 17 motels from the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation to Green Tourism for a 30-year period under SIFC guidance.