PEOPLE in Pakistan only know the beautiful valleys and the high, snowcapped peaks in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), which attract them, especially during summers. They enjoy the beautiful views of soaring mountains during their flights to the area.

On the part of the locals, however, travelling to or from their homeland is a different experience altogether.

Unlike most people who come to the region to enjoy a scenic outing, the locals have financial constraints all the time, and, therefore, travelling by air is a luxury for most.

Even if anyone is lucky enough to afford taking a flight, getting hold of a ticket to a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight is a massive challenge of its own. The ultimate option is to travel by land in a bus or a car. Now here comes the nightmare. To begin with, the condition of the road is pathetic, and it is a seriously long drivebetween Gilgit andn say, Rawalpindi.

Another problem is the roadside eateries on the way to or from Gilgit. The quality of food is questionable, and the hotel owners charge an unfair amount of money because of their monopoly over there. The third problem is related to the condition of the vehicles and the exper-tise of the drivers. Most private transportation companies do not take care of their vehicles, and there is no check on the fitness or road-worthiness of either the vehicle or the driver.

Driver remains behind the wheel for almost 15-16 hours a day without taking any breaks. And that happens day after day. Because of the combination of all these issues, 21 precious lives were lost in a collision between a bus and a car near Chilas in Gilgit recently.

The government should make sure that people travel safely. One of the first steps should be to end the monopoly currently enjoyed by PIA, which will happen the moment the government allows other airlines to operate flights to and from GB.

Another pertinent point is to have checks and balances on private buses and their drivers. There must be at least two drivers on a bus and they must be familiar with the landscape of the region.

Such steps will surely make lives of GB people easier, and will also boost tourism.

Nisar Ali Gilgit-Baltistan