Hotel Construction Ban Announced for Northern Lakes in Pakistan

GILGIT: In an effort to safeguard its scenic landscapes, Pakistan will implement a five-year moratorium on the construction of new hotels near its captivating northern lakes. This decision was revealed by a government organization, aiming to curb the environmental impact from tourism.

Gilgit Baltistan (GB), home to approximately 13,000 glaciers—surpassing any other region globally outside the polar zones—has witnessed a surge in unregulated hotel and guesthouse development. This expansion has triggered substantial concerns regarding environmental deterioration.

The region’s innate splendor has established it as a premier tourist destination, where imposing peaks dominate the historic Silk Road, and a highway facilitates travel amid cherry orchards, glaciers, and striking blue lakes.

However, recent years have seen a surge in construction, largely driven by external companies, which has strained resources like water and power, while also escalating waste production.

Official Statements

Khadim Hussain, a high-ranking official from the Gilgit Baltistan Environmental Protection Authority, stated on Friday, “If hotel construction continues at the current rate, we risk creating a concrete jungle.”

“Tourists visit this area to immerse themselves in nature, not to view concrete structures,” he emphasized.

Recent Incidents

Last month, a foreign tourist shared a video on Instagram—which quickly gained traction—alleging that a hotel was discharging wastewater into Lake Attabad, a vital freshwater source for Hunza. In response, authorities imposed a fine of over $5,000 on the hotel the following day.

Community Reaction

Asif Sakhi, a political figure and Hunza Valley resident, voiced his support for the ban. “We have observed rapid changes under the guise of tourism and development,” he noted, adding that hotel construction was “destroying our natural lakes and rivers.”

Shah Nawaz, a hotel manager and local resident, also lauded the decision, asserting that “protecting the environment and natural beauty is everyone’s responsibility.”