Pakistan’s GB bans construction of new hotels around lakes, earning praise from environmentalists, residents

Pakistan’s GB bans construction of new hotels around lakes, earning praise from environmentalists, residents
The picture posted by Najeeb Ullah Khan in 2024 on Google Images shows hotels built around Attabad lake in Gilgit-Baltistan. (Najeeb Ullah Khan)
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Updated 20 July 2025
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Pakistan’s GB bans construction of new hotels around lakes, earning praise from environmentalists, residents

Pakistan’s GB bans construction of new hotels around lakes, earning praise from environmentalists, residents
  • Building new hotels around lakes banned for five years to discourage unregulated constructions, protect natural environment, says official
  • Environmentalists stress importance of protecting lakes, noting several in region serve as source of drinking water for Gilgit-Baltistan residents 

KHAPLU, Gilgit-Baltistan: Environmental experts, residents and activists have praised the government’s move this week to ban the construction of new hotels around lakes in Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region for five years, noting it would help protect the area’s natural sites. 

Pakistan’s mountainous GB region is home to over 13,000 glaciers, more than any other country apart from the polar regions, as well as picturesque lakes, orchards and mountains. As per the GB Tourism Department, over one million tourists visited the area in 2024. 

The rise of tourism in the area has led to the construction of new hotels, which have sparked concerns of increasing pollution, waste, lack of regulation and straining of water and power resources in the area. 

A video by foreign vlogger George Buckley in June, showing allegedly untreated sewage being discharged into the region’s picturesque Attabad Lake, went viral on social media. It prompted calls for thorough checks and inspections of hotels in the area. 

 

“Gilgit-Baltistan is becoming a forest of concrete due to the influx of tourism,” Syed Asrar ul Hasnain, an official of GB’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), told Arab News over the phone.

“The region was going toward an unregulated type of development. Due to this situation, our department sent a recommendation to the government to ban the issuing of NOCs [no objection certificates] for the new construction of hotels,” he added. 

Hasnain vowed that authorities would ensure that hotels that were already functional in the region would also be monitored. 

“The main objective behind the ban is the protection of natural beauties and the environment,” he said. “And initially, the ban is for five years.”

Kamal Khan, commissioner for the Baltistan region, said the construction of new hotels near lakes and “environmentally sensitive regions” in all four districts of the Baltistan region has been banned as well. 

He stressed that sewerage treatment plants (STPs) should be part of hotels constructed near water bodies.

“[Unfortunately], the operational hotels don’t have STPs in the region,” Khan said. “And after filling the pits, the sewage water is mixed in the water body, and it is hazardous for human life and health.”

Noting that GB has a “fragile environment,” Khan vowed to protect it through such measures.

“We have directed all existing and functional hotels to make STPs in their hotel, if the hotels have a high number of rooms,” the commissioner said. “If they do not implement our order, we will seal the hotels.”

’GOOD OMEN’ 

Dr. Salaar Ali, head of the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Baltistan, appreciated the government’s move, saying it would help protect the natural environment. 

“The lakes are not only a tourist destination, but many like Sadpara Lakes are a source of drinking water for the residents,” Dr. Ali told Arab News.

“And the protection of these lakes and areas should be our priority.”

He also called on authorities to ban the use of motorboats in the region, saying they were responsible for littering in freshwater bodies.

Kiran Qasim, a resident of Gilgit and a journalist, described the ban as a “very effective” measure, saying it would also help mitigate the effects of climate change. 

“The construction around natural lakes also disturbs plants, birds and fish, etcetera,” she explained. “Instead of imposing a ban for only five years, the ban should be for a long period.”

Zahoor Ilahi, a social activist from Hunza Valley, said authorities should promote environmentally friendly constructions such as huts.

“On the other side, multi-story buildings are dangerous for our environment,” he said. “And there should be no exception for big investors. Laws should be implemented equally.”

Manzoor Hussain, the president of the Hotel Association of Hunza, described the ban as a “good omen” but echoed the same concern. 

“We second this move, but there should be no difference between the rich and the poor,” Hussain said, calling on authorities to seal hotels that don’t meet environmental standards.

“The laws should be implemented to protect the environment, in a real manner, not just to get fame on social media,” Hussain said. 


Mobile internet cut across Balochistan over security threats ahead of Pakistan Independence Day

Mobile internet cut across Balochistan over security threats ahead of Pakistan Independence Day
Updated 6 sec ago
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Mobile internet cut across Balochistan over security threats ahead of Pakistan Independence Day

Mobile internet cut across Balochistan over security threats ahead of Pakistan Independence Day
  • Authorities say the blackout will remain in place across all 36 districts of Balochistan until August 31
  • Last year, August was among the deadliest months for the province, with 88 people killed in attacks

QUETTA: Authorities in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province have suspended mobile Internet services across all 36 districts ahead of the country’s 78th Independence anniversary, citing security concerns and threats of attacks by separatist militants.

The move comes amid heightened tensions in the province, where separatist violence tends to spike during August, particularly around national celebrations.

The blackout will remain in place until August 31, a senior government official, privy to the decision, told Arab News on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“Due to security concerns and terrorist threats, the government has suspended mobile Internet in all 36 districts of Balochistan,” he said.

The move comes in anticipation of potential unrest during the August 14 national holiday in Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan and has long been the center of a low-level separatist insurgency.

Violence in the province has intensified in recent years, with ethnic Baloch militant groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) launching large-scale attacks, including suicide bombings, targeting security forces and Punjabi commuters.

Baloch separatist groups often escalate attacks against the Independence Day festivities. In past years, militants have thrown hand grenades at stalls selling the national flag, sometimes killing both vendors and buyers. Residents are routinely warned by BLA and other groups not to participate in the celebrations or display the Pakistani flag.

Last year in August, the province experienced the highest number of militant attacks that left 88 people, including security personnel and civilians, killed and 100 injured.

The separatist groups accuse the state of exploiting Balochistan’s vast natural resources, including coal, copper, gas and gold, without fairly distributing the benefits to local communities. They claim that successive governments have prioritized extraction over development, leaving the province impoverished despite its mineral wealth.

Pakistani authorities reject these allegations, maintaining that substantial development efforts are underway. Officials say infrastructure projects, health services and education initiatives have been expanded across the province in recent years.

Despite repeated calls and messages, Pakistan’s federal information minister did not respond to questions from Arab News regarding the suspension of Internet services.


Saudi envoy, Balochistan governor discuss mobility, investment, regional ties

Saudi envoy, Balochistan governor discuss mobility, investment, regional ties
Updated 6 min 55 sec ago
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Saudi envoy, Balochistan governor discuss mobility, investment, regional ties

Saudi envoy, Balochistan governor discuss mobility, investment, regional ties
  • Al-Malki acknowledges Balochistan governor’s efforts to facilitate direct travel between Quetta and Kingdom
  • Kingdom has reaffirmed intention to invest in large-scale investment projects across Pakistan, including Balochistan

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki has acknowledged efforts by the governor of Balochistan to facilitate direct travel from Quetta to the Kingdom following a meeting between the two officials to discuss mobility, investments and regional ties, the governor’s office said on Thursday.

The envoy’s meeting with Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, held in Islamabad, reflects a broader trend of Saudi engagement beyond Pakistan’s federal capital, with Balochistan, a resource-rich but underdeveloped province increasingly seen as strategically important in regional trade and energy corridors.

Both sides discussed “cordial relations between the two brotherly Islamic countries… regional economic and political developments and matters of mutual interest,” the statement from Mandokhail’s office said.

“Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki appreciated Governor Mandokhail’s personal efforts in facilitating direct travel from Quetta to Saudi Arabia for the people of Balochistan,” the governor’s office said in a statement.

While the statement did not elaborate on timelines or agreements regarding direct travel between Quetta and Saudi Arabia, the ambassador’s reported remarks signal interest in easing mobility for religious pilgrims, workers and business travelers from the province, many of whom currently travel via Karachi or Islamabad.

The meeting also underscores growing recognition of Balochistan’s role in Pakistan’s future economic landscape, as well as Saudi Arabia’s intent to broaden the scope of its bilateral engagement beyond federal corridors of power.

Mandokhail, for his part, reaffirmed the strength of bilateral ties. “History bears witness to Saudi Arabia’s special support for Pakistan during every difficult time,” he said, according to the statement.

Saudi Arabia remains one of Pakistan’s closest diplomatic and economic partners. In recent months, the Kingdom has reaffirmed its intention to invest in large-scale infrastructure, mining, and agricultural projects across Pakistan, including in Balochistan.

Saudi financial assistance has also been critical to Pakistan’s macroeconomic stability, particularly during periods of external financing stress.


Pakistan issues fresh safety alert as monsoon rains persist, death toll tops 300

Pakistan issues fresh safety alert as monsoon rains persist, death toll tops 300
Updated 6 min 10 sec ago
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Pakistan issues fresh safety alert as monsoon rains persist, death toll tops 300

Pakistan issues fresh safety alert as monsoon rains persist, death toll tops 300
  • Flash flood warnings issued for vulnerable areas in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan
  • Over 160 deaths reported in Punjab alone as heavy rains continue across the country

ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Pakistan on Thursday urged citizens to exercise caution as monsoon rains continued across the country, warning of more downpours in the coming 24 hours in Punjab and other parts of the country.

The ongoing rainfall comes amid a season of severe weather that has already caused widespread damage. Since June 26, at least 303 people have died in rain-related incidents nationwide, including 164 in the eastern Punjab province, according to disaster management officials.

“We request citizens to take precautionary measures during the monsoon season,” Irfan Ali Kathia, Director General of Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), said in a statement. “Keep children away from streams, low-lying areas, rivers and canals and strictly avoid swimming during rainfall.”

The PDMA said that the sixth spell of the monsoon system is expected to subside later on Thursday, but rain is still likely in most districts of the province.

It informed water levels in major rivers — including the Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej — remained at normal levels, and no immediate flood threat was reported.

In its latest fact sheet, PDMA reported 582 people injured, 216 homes damaged, and 121 livestock losses in the current season.

It also said financial assistance was being provided to affected families in various districts.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a flash flood alert a day earlier for the Kashmir region and Gilgit-Baltistan, citing forecasts of intense rainfall in mountainous areas.

Vulnerable districts, including Neelum Valley, Skardu and Hunza, were asked to remain on high alert and identify evacuation routes in case of sudden water surges.

The NDMA urged residents to avoid crossing flooded roads and low bridges and recommended moving vehicles, livestock and valuables to safer ground.

Authorities said that emergency monitoring and coordination with provincial and district administrations were continuing to ensure a timely response to any worsening conditions.


Pakistani media decries cybercrime notice to journalist as attack on press freedom

Pakistani media decries cybercrime notice to journalist as attack on press freedom
Updated 07 August 2025
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Pakistani media decries cybercrime notice to journalist as attack on press freedom

Pakistani media decries cybercrime notice to journalist as attack on press freedom
  • Muhammad Akbar Notezai has been reportedly targeted over a year-old investigative story on Balochistan
  • Journalists say newspaper reports, articles should not fall under the jurisdiction of the cybercrime agency

KARACHI: Pakistan’s media community on Wednesday condemned a notice issued by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to a local journalist, Muhammad Akbar Notezai, calling it a direct assault on press freedom.

According to reports, the notice stemmed from an investigative report Notezai published in Dawn newspaper more than a year earlier, probing allegations of administrative mismanagement, misuse of authority, and corruption in Balochistan.

Established last year in May, to replace the cyber‑crime wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the NCCIA has drawn criticism for its expanding scope and its involvement in cases traditionally outside its mandate.

“Investigative journalism in Pakistan has witnessed a steady decline over the years, largely due to increasing censorship,” Fazil Jamili, President of Karachi Press Club, told Arab News. “In this environment, the work of journalists like Akbar Notakzai becomes all the more vital.”

Jamili said Notezai’s reporting consistently reflected rigorous research, professional integrity and the highest journalistic standards.

“It is deeply alarming that a journalist of his caliber is now being targeted by a state institution,” he added. “Such actions not only undermine press freedom but also discourage much-needed investigative reporting.”

Reacting to the development, veteran journalist Mazhar Abbas noted a newspaper report or article did not fall under the jurisdiction of the NCCIA.

“If someone had objections to the report, they could have issued a rebuttal or approached the court under relevant defamation laws,” he said. “In this context, the NCCIA should not have entertained the complaint at all.”

Abbas said the real purpose behind the action was to “pressure journalists and obstruct independent reporting.”

“Tactics like these are clearly aimed at curbing investigative journalism, so that government officials and institutions are not held accountable,” he added.

Meanwhile, Shahid Rind, a spokesperson for the Balochistan government, clarified via social media the provincial administration was not the complainant in the case, distancing it from the notice.

Based in Pakistan’s volatile southwestern Balochistan province, Notezai covers security, political, and social issues.


OIC blames Kashmir dispute for latest India-Pakistan standoff, urges peaceful resolution

OIC blames Kashmir dispute for latest India-Pakistan standoff, urges peaceful resolution
Updated 07 August 2025
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OIC blames Kashmir dispute for latest India-Pakistan standoff, urges peaceful resolution

OIC blames Kashmir dispute for latest India-Pakistan standoff, urges peaceful resolution
  • OIC criticizes India’s 2019 revocation of Kashmir’s special status, demographic changes in the disputed region
  • It urges adherence to agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty, calls for dialogue between the two neighbors

ISLAMABAD: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Wednesday said the recent standoff between India and Pakistan was rooted in the unresolved Kashmir dispute, urging the global community to press New Delhi for a “peaceful and expeditious” settlement to ensure regional stability.

The remarks came during an event marking the sixth anniversary of India’s 2019 decision to revoke the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir and integrate the Muslim-majority Himalayan region into the rest of the Indian union. The move triggered a sharp response from Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties, a situation that remains unresolved. Both countries claim Kashmir in full but control only parts of it.

Speaking at the United Nations, OIC Permanent Observer Ambassador Hameed Opeloyeru linked the latest military escalation to the decades-old territorial conflict.

Earlier this year, India and Pakistan engaged in a brief but intense four-day exchange of drone strikes, missiles and artillery fire in May, following a gun attack on tourists in the Indian-administered town of Pahalgam. New Delhi blamed Islamabad for the attack, while Pakistan denied any involvement and demanded an independent probe.

“The OIC has continued to renew its call on the global community to lean on the Government of India to allow an expeditious but peaceful resolution of the Jammu Kashmir dispute, in line with the UN Charter and the basic principles of international law,” Opeloyeru said. “Without doubt, the people of Jammu Kashmir do enjoy the inalienable rights to self-determination as established under international law, including the UN Charter.”

“It is evident that the unresolved Kashmir dispute is the root cause of the recent hostilities in West Asia,” he added. “To this end, the OIC promptly expressed its concern on the Pahalgam attack on Azad Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 and later welcomed the ceasefire, which was established on 10 May 2025 and which continues to hold.”

The OIC also criticized India’s decision to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a World Bank-brokered agreement governing river water distribution with Pakistan, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. Islamabad has already described such a move as “an act of war,” though the OIC has urged both sides to adhere to bilateral agreements and resume dialogue.

At the same event, the OIC reiterated its rejection of India’s 2019 revocation of Kashmir’s special status and what it described as efforts to alter the region’s demography. The group reaffirmed its support for the Kashmiri people’s “legitimate struggle” for self-determination, citing resolutions adopted at its ministerial session in Istanbul in June 2025.