Gilgit-Baltistan tourism stakeholders trade blame as permit fees remain undecided – Pakistan

GILGIT: A dispute between tour operators and the tourism department in Gilgit-Baltistan continues to impact the sector in the mountainous region, as the apex court after suspending the increase in permit fees for foreign visitors had not provided clarity on the way forward.

After the hike, the tour operators took the government to court and the judge issued a stay order, suspending the fee hike.

However, the next hearing could not be held due to a strike by lawyers, as both parties are sticking to the interpretation of the order, which would benefit their claims.

The operators have sought licences at the previous rates while the government has said that the court had not issued such instructions, particularly when the previous…