The question is not whether tourism is good or bad, at this point it’s inevitable. What we should focus on is how we responsibly engage with the places we visit, understand local issues, and learn the histories behind the landscapes we consume. Gilgit-Baltistan is a perfect example of this. To outsiders, it can seem “pristine,” untouched, almost separate from the rest of the world. But beyond the beauty are ongoing conversations around political representation, militarization, land, environmental strain, and rapid development. As tourism grows, so do questions around who benefits from it, who gets displaced by it, and who gets to shape the future of the region. If you want to learn more, I really recommend the anthology Beyond the Mountains: Social and Political Imaginaries in Gilgit-Baltistan. It brings together indigenous and local voices to explore the region’s cultural heritage and political complexities beyond the tourist gaze. #pakistan #history #decolonize #hunza