Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Hafeezur Rehman on Monday said that the coronavirus pandemic has hit the Gilgit Baltistan tourism sector hard.  

He was talking to the parliamentary committee via video link.

The CM said there are three test centres in Gilgit Baltistan and urged the federal government to increase the testing capacity. He also demanded to give more cash assistance to the Gilgit Baltistan vulnerable people through Ehsaas Cash Emergency Programme.

CM Hafeezur Rehman said the recovery ratio of the COVID-19 patients is 78 per cent.

He expressed his fear for the increase in the unemployment ratio in case the lockdown period would be extended.  

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a specialized UN agency in its report said that the outbreak of Coronavirus COVID-19 presents the tourism sector with a major and evolving challenge.

UNWTO calls for solid international leadership and for tourism to be included as a priority in future recovery efforts.