GB CM Orders Comprehensive Review of Mountaineering Laws, SOPs Following Broad Peak Incident
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).
- Determine responsibility for any possible negligence or administrative lapses in recent incidents.
Secretary Forest, Wildlife and Parks Sabtain Ahmed will head the committee, with Secretary Information Technology Zameer Abbas serving as member/convener and Commissioner Baltistan Division Kamal Khan as a member.
The Chief Minister directed the committee to:
- Determine responsibility for possible lapses in the Broad Peak incident.
- Conduct a clause-wise review of existing trekking laws to identify outdated, ineffective, or incomplete provisions.
- Bring procedures related to permits, registration, briefing, debriefing, responsibilities of liaison officers and mountain guides, safety equipment, wages and welfare of porters, insurance, medical facilities, evacuation, communication systems, and emergency response mechanisms in line with prevailing conditions and international safety standards.
He also directed:
- A review of existing insurance coverage for liaison officers, mountain guides, and porters, proposing realistic and effective coverage based on risks and costs.
- An examination of arrangements for search and rescue, helicopter evacuation, weather forecasting, early warning, communication, and emergency assistance in remote areas, with the introduction of mandatory safety protocols to minimize future risk of loss of life.
Amjad Hussain emphasized:
- The need for updating the existing classification of open and restricted zones and various tracks and passes based on ground realities.
- Implementing a digital permit and registration system.
- Effective coordination among relevant departments.
- Periodic review of trekking and mountaineering laws.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the Gilgit-Baltistan government would promote mountaineering and tourism while ensuring safety and security without compromise.