THIS is with reference to Junaid Kamal`s letter, “GB: exploring socio-economic prospects” (Oct 26).

The writer has portrayed Gilgit Baltistan as a naturally beautiful region. He also elaborates on the potential economic benefits that Pakistan can draw from the region.

However, the writer has made a remark that needs clarification. He holds the Taliban responsible for the devastation of tourism in GB.

This needs to be understood in the right context. The Taliban have never had a direct influence in GB. Therefore, linking the fall in the tourism industry across GB directly with the local Taliban in GB is not justified.

It is also evident from the fact that the presence of the Taliban in some parts of the country and subsequent war on terrorism have affected just about all tourist sights nationwide, not only GB, as both local and foreign tourists fear going to these places.

The tourism industry in GB suffered mainly due to the false depiction of the region in the local as well as in the international media by reporters and writers with little understanding of the demographics of Gilgit Baltistan.

When the operation was being carried out in Swat, it was completely safe to visit Gilgit. The Taliban didn`t exist in that part of the country. However, an impression was created as if GB was directly affected by the Operation Rah-i-Rast, but as such it wasn`t the case.

Swat and GB are a distant apart and, therefore, operation in Swat should not have been portrayed as an operation in Gilgit Baltistan.

MUHAMMAD EJAZ

Danyor , Gilgit Baltistan