Total population
111,573
Astore District
Astore is a mountainous district known for alpine pastures, agricultural communities and access to Deosai National Park and the Nanga Parbat region, with Gorikot among its main administrative centres.
Basic information
Total area
5,411 km²
Administrative units
2 tehsils · 5 union councils · centre Gorikot
Indicators
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Total population (2023) | 111,573 |
| Area | 5,411 km² |
| Tehsils | 2 |
| Union councils | 5 |
| Administrative centre | Gorikot |
| Schools | 165 |
| Colleges | 1 |
| DHQ hospitals | 1 |
| THQ hospitals | 1 |
| Police stations | 6 |
| Civil courts | 2 |
Institutions and public services
| Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Schools | 165 |
| Colleges | 1 |
| Police stations | 6 |
| Civil courts | 2 |
Hospitals
| Facility type | Count |
|---|---|
| DHQ | 1 |
| THQ | 1 |
Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly (2026–2031)
| Constituency | Member | Party |
|---|---|---|
| GBA-13 Astore-I (General) — Astore | Rana Farman Ali | Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz |
| GBA-14 Astore-II (General) — Astore | Rana Mohammad Farooq | Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz |
| Technocrat Astore | Sahib Khan | Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz |
Priority issues and challenges
1. Road infrastructure
Mountainous terrain, landslides, snowfall and weather-related road closures can disrupt access to Astore’s remote settlements and tourism destinations.
2. Water crisis
Seasonal shortages, irrigation demand and gaps in rural water infrastructure affect reliable water access in some communities.
3. Health
Remote villages and difficult transport conditions create challenges in reaching hospitals, emergency care and specialised medical services.
4. Unemployment
A limited formal economy and seasonal tourism restrict year-round job opportunities beyond agriculture, livestock and government employment.
5. Environmental challenges
Climate-related hazards, pressure on alpine pastures, forest degradation and tourism waste threaten the district’s sensitive mountain ecosystems.