GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government on Friday decided to undertake a comprehensive review of its trekking and mountaineering laws and safety protocols following a series of accidents on the region's high-altitude peaks, including the deaths of climbers on Broad Peak and Spantik. Chief Minister Amjad Hussain took serious notice of the recent incidents and directed the relevant authorities to reassess the existing regulatory and safety framework to minimise risks to climbers, guides, porters and other expedition personnel.
The move follows the July 30 Broad Peak avalanche that struck a 10-member international expedition. All 10 climbers were subsequently confirmed dead, including renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja and Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi. The accident triggered a difficult recovery operation amid severe weather and extreme altitude.
The latest review also comes after the death of Pakistani climber Dr Asma Mushtaq on Spantik Peak on August 20. Mushtaq, 34, died during her descent after suffering a high-altitude medical emergency at around 6,400 metres. Her body was recovered nearly 10 days later following several unsuccessful attempts hampered by bad weather.
"The safety and security of tourists, climbers, guides and porters cannot be compromised," the chief minister said while directing the authorities to bring the regulatory framework in line with present-day realities. Under the decision, a three-member committee has been constituted to conduct a comprehensive review of the 1999 Trekking Rules and Regulations, related procedures, terms and conditions and existing standard operating procedures. Forest, Wildlife and Parks Secretary Sibtain Ahmed will head the committee.
Information Technology Secretary Zameer Abbas has been appointed member/convener, while Baltistan Division Commissioner Kamal Khan will serve as a member. The committee has been tasked with determining whether negligence or administrative shortcomings played any role in recent accidents, besides identifying gaps in the existing rules. "The existing trekking regulations require a clause-by-clause review to identify provisions that are outdated, ineffective or incomplete," the chief minister directed.
The proposed review will cover permit and registration procedures, mandatory briefings and debriefings, responsibilities of liaison officers and mountain guides, safety equipment, porter welfare, insurance, medical facilities, evacuation arrangements, communications and emergency response. The government will also reassess insurance arrangements for liaison officers, mountain guides and porters. Particular attention will be given to search-and-rescue operations in remote and restricted areas, helicopter evacuation, weather forecasting, early-warning systems, communications and emergency assistance.
The chief minister has further called for a digital permit and registration system and stronger coordination among government departments and other institutions involved in mountaineering operations. The committee has been given 15 days to submit its report, recommendations and draft amendments to the existing rules and SOPs to the competent authority.