GB moves to tighten trekking rules after deadly avalanche

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government has initiated a comprehensive review of its trekking and mountaineering regulations following a series of fatal accidents in the region, including the deadly Broad Peak avalanche that killed 10 mountaineers.

Chief Minister Amjad Hussain has formed a three-member committee to review the 1999 Trekking Rules and Regulations and recommend changes aimed at improving the safety of climbers, trekkers, guides and porters.

The committee will be headed by Forest, Wildlife and Parks Secretary Subtain Ahmed, with Information Technology Secretary Zameer Abbas and Baltistan Division Commissioner Kamal Khan as members.

The decision follows the July 30 Broad Peak tragedy, when an avalanche struck a mountaineering expedition led by renowned British-Nepali climber Nirmal Purja. All 10 members of the expedition were later confirmed dead.

The chief minister expressed serious concern over the rising number of mountaineering accidents this year, which have claimed the lives of 13 foreign climbers as well as two Pakistanis. In another incident, Pakistani climber Asma Mushtaq, 34, died on Spantik Peak on August 20 after suffering from high-altitude sickness. Her body was recovered nearly 10 days later.

The newly formed committee has been tasked with examining rescue procedures, standard operating procedures and the responsibilities of institutions involved in mountaineering emergencies. It will also investigate possible negligence, administrative failures and delays in rescue operations, including those surrounding the Broad Peak incident.

The review will cover permits and registration, mandatory briefing and debriefing sessions, the responsibilities of liaison officers and mountain guides, safety equipment, porter welfare, insurance, medical facilities, evacuation arrangements and emergency communications.

The committee will also assess the province’s search-and-rescue capabilities, helicopter evacuation arrangements, weather forecasting and early-warning systems, particularly in remote and restricted mountain areas.

Officials have also raised concerns about possible violations by some tour operators. According to government sources, certain operators allegedly failed to arrange appropriate insurance for climbers and helicopter rescue operations and did not conduct mandatory briefing and debriefing sessions required under the existing rules.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan has also pointed to the absence of a dedicated, properly established high-altitude rescue system in the country, noting that search-and-rescue missions continue to rely heavily on government resources.

With adventure tourism expanding rapidly in Gilgit-Baltistan, the government also plans to reassess the classification of open and restricted zones, trekking routes and mountain passes to bring regulations in line with current ground realities.

More than 2,200 foreign climbers and trekkers visited the region between April and August this year, with many attempting to scale some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum-I and Gasherbrum-II.

Officials expect the number of foreign tourists visiting Gilgit-Baltistan during the spring, summer and autumn seasons to cross 10,000 this year. The provincial government had already collected around Rs350 million in expedition and trekking permit fees by June 30.

The chief minister has directed the introduction of a digital permit and registration system, stronger coordination among relevant departments and regular reviews of mountaineering laws.