ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has identified seven key roads spanning 464 kilometres across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s tourism initiative, in a major move aimed at improving connectivity to tourist destinations and unlocking the region’s vast tourism potential.
The proposed plan covers seven strategically important road links connecting major tourist destinations as well as remote and mountainous areas of GB, with the federal government set to oversee their construction, widening, rehabilitation and long-term maintenance.
The identified routes include the 54-kilometre Astore–Chilim Chowki Road, 31-kilometre Deosai–Skardu Road, 100-kilometre Skardu–Khaplu Road, 17-kilometre Skardu (Thorgu)–Shigar Road and the 36-kilometre KKH-Naltar to Satrangi Lake Road.
The remaining two routes, 121-kilometre Thalichi–Astore–Rattu–Shounter Road and the 105-kilometre Gorikot–Shagarthang–Skardu Road, are currently under construction.
Together, the seven roads cover a total distance of 464 kilometres, creating a significant road network aimed at making some of GB’s most scenic and emerging tourist destinations more accessible to domestic and international visitors.
Federal government has identified seven roads spanning 464 kilometres across Gilgit-Baltistan for federalisation under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s tourism initiative, with the routes to be constructed, widened, rehabilitated and maintained by the federal authorities to…
— Jamil Nagri (@jamilnagri) September 8, 2026
The proposal has already been approved by the Gilgit-Baltistan Cabinet, while a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been shared with the National Highway Authority (NHA) for the proposed federalisation of the routes.
Under the plan, the federal government would assume responsibility for the development and long-term maintenance of the roads, including their construction, widening and rehabilitation.
From power shortages to sustainable tourism, the government is taking concrete steps to accelerate development and improve lives in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, while chairing the second meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee on GB development,… pic.twitter.com/uWdfly0dZH
— M/o Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (@PlanComPakistan) September 2, 2026
The initiative is expected to improve road access to destinations such as Deosai, Skardu, Astore, Khaplu, Shigar, Naltar and Satrangi Lake, helping facilitate tourism activities and making travel across the mountainous region easier and safer.
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Better road connectivity could also support local communities by improving access to markets and services while creating greater opportunities for tourism-related businesses, including hotels, restaurants, transport services, tour operators and handicraft sellers.
Connecting Gilgit baltistan, Unlocking tourism.. pic.twitter.com/iwlMk1qIr3
— IPP Gilgit-Baltistan (@IPP_Gilgit) September 7, 2026
Gilgit-Baltistan is home to some of Pakistan’s most spectacular mountain landscapes, lakes and valleys, but difficult terrain and limited road infrastructure have long posed challenges to the expansion of tourism.
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The proposed federal development and management of the seven roads is therefore being viewed as an important step towards strengthening tourism infrastructure, connecting remote areas with major destinations and enabling Gilgit-Baltistan to better capitalise on its natural and cultural attractions.
