The President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, Major General (Retd) Irfan Arshad, on March 5, 2026, announced that private helicopter service would be provided to tourists for tourism and rescue operations in Pakistan’s northern areas.
He said that the service will be operational by April or May this year.
The initiative is expected to improve access to remote high-altitude areas and strengthen rescue operations for climbers and trekkers visiting the country’s northern mountains.
The president said that the move could also help expand tourism activities in areas that are currently difficult to reach.
Speaking in an interview, Arshad said helicopter operations in Pakistan’s northern mountains have largely been handled by military aviation.
“It is extremely necessary. So far, only military aviation has been looking after helicopter operations, and they mainly provide services for rescue missions,” he said.
He added that the limited availability of helicopters had affected tourism safaris, transportation facilities and logistical support for mountaineering expeditions heading to Pakistan’s major peaks.
Authorities are currently working with the Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Defence to facilitate private companies entering the helicopter services sector.
“They will have permission for rescue operations as well as tourism safaris and other specialised programmes, including support for certain agencies,” he said.
Arshad expressed hope that several helicopters would begin operations within the next few months.
“We have made considerable progress. The government is serious about this initiative, and the army is also supporting the process,” he added.
He said around five to six helicopters from the private sector are expected to start operating by April or May.
“The initiative includes helicopters from different institutions. Few government entities will also provide services on a commercial basis along with private companies,” he explained.
Areas where helicopter services may operate
The proposed services are expected to support both tourism and rescue missions in Pakistan’s northern mountain regions.
Helicopter safaris may be introduced for visitors travelling to some of the country’s most well-known peaks.
“They will carry out rescue operations and develop various tourism programmes.
Safaris to iconic peaks such as K2, Broad Peak and Nanga Parbat will also be introduced,” he said.
Arshad said the services could improve access for international climbers and tourists visiting these areas, which often require long and difficult journeys through mountainous terrain.
Foreign companies show interest
According to Arshad, some international companies have also shown interest in joining the initiative.
“There are different institutions, including government ones, that will provide services, and some direct private companies are also coming. One Italian company and one Nepali company are expected to join,” he added.
He noted that neighbouring countries such as Nepal already have a well-developed private helicopter sector supporting tourism and rescue operations in mountainous regions.
“In Nepal, there are around 13 helicopter aviation companies. Few operate two helicopters, few three, and few even up to ten,” he said.
If the plan moves forward as expected, the launch of private helicopter services could provide quicker access to Pakistan’s high-altitude destinations while improving emergency response for climbers and trekkers in remote mountain areas.
Also read: How to get Rs10,000 aid from govt without rashan card
