Pakistan Army Dives into Tourism Sector with Green Tourism Limited

Army's Tourist Takeover: Pakistan's Military Goes Green

Green Tourism Limited, a new company owned by the Pakistan Army and established under the guidance of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), has been granted long-term leases for at least 44 tourism sites in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The company was registered on January 26, shortly before the February 8 elections in the country, adding a sense of urgency and intrigue to the Pakistan Army's venture into the tourism sector.

Like other sectors and utilities, the company enables the Pakistan Army to operate hotels and various tourism facilities. The Pakistan Army has significant commercial interests across the country, including gas and petrol stations, housing colonies, and industrial units, and is involved in many sectors.

Details about the leased properties were disclosed after the agreement between the Gilgit-Baltistan government and the company. This has led to discontent among the public, as tourism is vital for this beautiful area currently under Pakistan's occupation. Various public representatives, including Majlis-e-Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM), the Awami Action Committee of Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Das Khareem Supreme Council of Astore, have opposed the government's decision.

The government explained that this move would encourage local and foreign investment in the tourism industry. However, many people in the tourism industry believe this is the initial step towards transferring these sites to a private firm or the army. The leased sites, which include seven Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) motels, 20 Communications and Works Department (C&WD) guest houses, and 17 Forest Department sites, are leased for 30 years.