Here’s an extract of my interview with Mr. Ejazullah Baig, Curator of the historic Baltit Fort in Hunza. His message to tourists visiting Gilgit-Baltistan is powerful, timely, and deserves to be amplified.
Here are the key takeaways from his conversation:
Respect Religious and Sectarian Harmony:
Gilgit-Baltistan is home to a diverse Muslim population united by their faith.
Mr. Baig urges tourists to avoid provocative questions about sects or beliefs. Such questions create unnecessary division and hurt local sentiments.
Protect Nature and Keep It Clean:
The region’s pristine landscapes, water sources, and fruit trees are invaluable.
Tourists are requested not to litter—carry your waste back to your hotel dustbins.
Do not break fruit tree branches—these are planted with great effort and are part of the local ecosystem. You may pick fruit to eat, but avoid damaging the trees.
Respect Local Women and Community Safety:
The area is remarkably safe for women—they move freely without fear of harassment or violence.
Do not misinterpret this safety as an invitation for vulgar behavior or interference. If you need to ask something, interact respectfully with the relevant person (men speak to men, women speak to women).
Say No to Drugs and Public Smoking:
The use of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and heavy drugs is on the rise, negatively impacting the region’s image.
Public smoking reflects poorly on tourists and can inspire local youth toward harmful habits.
Please refrain from any form of substance abuse during your visit.
Final Thought:
Mr. Baig’s message is simple yet profound: “You are our guests, you are our reason for being.” Tourism is a beautiful bridge between cultures, but it comes with a responsibility to respect local values, environment, and people.
Let’s travel not just to see new places, but to leave them better than we found them.
Video credits: SAAM, Dr Jawad Syed
South Asian Academy of Management 