Gilgit, July 21 -- Residents of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) have accused the Islamabad administration of failing to develop the region's tourism sector, alleging that poor infrastructure, administrative inaction and security restrictions have prevented the region from realising its tourism potential.

Locals also expressed concern over security checkpoints and alleged attempts to alter the region's administrative control, saying such measures discourage tourists and hurt the local economy.

Karim Raja, a resident of Ishkoman Valley, said security restrictions are a major obstacle to tourism. "In our area, Ishkoman Valley extends all the way to the beautiful Kurumba Valley. The biggest problem is that when tourists come, ther...