Pakistan Ignores Mountaineering Deaths, Prioritizes Tourism Over Safety

In the rugged heights of Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region, where some of the world’s tallest and deadliest mountains loom, the government continues to turn a blind eye to mounting dangers facing climbers. Despite recent tragic deaths—including Chinese climber Guan Jing struck by falling rocks on K2 and Olympic gold medalist Laura Dahlmeier lost on Laila Peak—officials refuse to place any restrictions on expeditions. Faizullah Faraq, spokesperson for Gilgit-Baltistan authorities, bluntly states that climbers accept these risks willingly and therefore no warnings or limits are necessary. But this stance raises critical questions about accountability and national responsibility. How long can economic incentives...