GILGIT, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 4th Sep, 2026) Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Amjad Hussain has taken serious notice of multiple incidents during the ongoing mountaineering season, particularly the recent Broad Peak incident, and directed the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of mountaineers, trekking groups, mountain guides, porters and other stakeholders.
On the directives of the Chief Minister, the Gilgit-Baltistan government has constituted a three-member committee to comprehensively review the 1999 Trekking Rules and Regulations, relevant procedures, terms and conditions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), besides determining responsibility for any possible negligence or administrative lapses in the recent incidents.
Secretary Forest, Wildlife and Parks Sabtain Ahmed will head the committee, while Secretary Information Technology Zameer Abbas will serve as member/convener and Commissioner Baltistan Division Kamal Khan as member.
The Chief Minister directed the committee to determine responsibility for any possible lapses in the Broad Peak incident and conduct a clause-wise review of the existing trekking laws to identify outdated, ineffective or incomplete provisions.
He said that the procedures relating to permits and registration, briefing and debriefing, responsibilities of liaison officers and mountain guides, safety equipment, wages and welfare of porters, insurance, medical facilities and evacuation, communication systems and emergency response mechanisms must be brought in line with prevailing conditions and international safety standards.
The Chief Minister also directed the committee to review the existing insurance coverage for liaison officers, mountain guides and porters and propose realistic and effective coverage in view of prevailing risks and costs.
He further directed that arrangements for search and rescue, helicopter evacuation, weather forecasting and early warning, communication and emergency assistance in remote and restricted areas should also be reviewed and mandatory safety protocols introduced to minimize the risk of loss of life in future.
Amjad Hussain said that in view of the growing trend of trekking and mountaineering in Gilgit-Baltistan, the existing classification of open and restricted zones as well as various tracks and passes should be updated in accordance with ground realities.
He stressed the need for a digital permit and registration system, effective coordination among relevant departments and periodic review of trekking and mountaineering laws.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the Gilgit-Baltistan government would continue to promote mountaineering and tourism in the region while ensuring the safety and security of tourists, mountaineers, guides and porters without compromise.
The committee has been directed to submit a comprehensive report, recommendations and draft amendments to the existing laws and SOPs to the competent authority within 15 days.
