New Tourism Projects in KPK

The PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is starting new projects for the promotion of tourism in the province and in this connection a modern ferry service is being started in River Indus and River Kabul. This was told to chairman, Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan at a meeting in Chief Minister's House.

The PTI chief was told that the provincial government had already purchased a ferry, which had a seat capacity of 50 passengers. The service was to be operated in DI Khan, Khairbabad (Kund) and Nowshera while similar ferry service on the pattern of developed countries would also start in other rivers of the province. Under the tourism promotion scheme, a special train service was also to be operated from Nowshera to Attock Khurd. The meeting was told that the ferry service will also be proven helpful in not harming the rare-specie of dolphin in Indus and a special tour was also arranged for this purpose.

Furthermore, the meeting was told that new tourist spots have been discovered in Naaran, Kaghan, Galiyat, Swat, Dir and Chitral, which would be opened for tourists to lessen pressure on the existing tourist spots in the province. Speaking on the occasion, PTI chairman, Imran Khan, stressed taking special measures for the protection of environment, discouraging the cutting down of trees and forests and constructions in the tourists attractive areas.
The meeting decided to take steps to arresting the people causing environmental pollution in the already existing tourist spots and hiring the services of national and international experts for the development of new tourism spots and their protection from pollution. The provincial government made efforts for provision of facilities to tourists and instead of the construction of hotels, houses and guest houses near the natural pools and springs, they established tent villages to prevent pollution.

The authorities of tourism department told the meeting that with the co-operation of youth they are initiating new schemes for the promotion of tourism. Under this, the participants of scheme will not be permitted to harm precious species of birds and young volunteers will collect plastic bags, empty bottles and cans from the tourist spots and maintain their natural beauty. Youth will also participate in cycle rallies, hiking and races and all such activities would be organised in the tourist spots.

On this occasion, Chief Minister, Pervez Khattak said that the revival of tourism related activities and promotion will not only stabilize the economy of the province, but also help attracting youth towards healthy activities. For keeping youth of the province busy in social, cultural, educational and extra-curricular activities seven "Youth Centers" have been established at divisional level for highlighting their talents. For these centers advisory councils have also been constituted at divisional level, which will be comprised of youth organisations, officials of youth affairs, elected public representatives and players.

The PTI chairman further ordered for the establishment of Youth Centers that were to be identified at divisional level and funds were also arranged for that. The centers became functional by September 2013. These centers organized seminars, workshops and debates and provided with an opportunity for the youth to attend healthy activities. PTI chairman said that the volunteers of PTI will also be included in these centers. He said that playgrounds and stadiums would be established in all 69 Tehsil of the province and the conditions of the already existing stadiums would be improved.

Government guest houses for the public, through Tourism Department

For the first time in the history of Pakistan, government of KPK opened the government guest houses for the public. Tourism Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa published it's advertisements in leading newspapers of Pakistan. The Tourism Department of the province announced to give government owned guests houses on rent to the general public. Government of KPK spent 4 Lac rupees on 13 government guest houses and earned 40 Lac rupees after commercialization, it was the profit earned till October 2015. Other remaining guest houses were also commercialized soon and the earned money was spent for public welfare programs.