F.P. Report
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan Wednesday directed the functionalization of Provincial Tourism Authority within one month time.
He was chairing a meeting of the tourism department at Chief Minister Secretariat, Peshawar and directed that for the completion of all codal formalities by the end of the ongoing month for finalization of integrated tourism plan, hiring of tourism experts in place of consultants, establishment of playgrounds in every Tehsil of the province, initiation of work on culture revival plan, food streets in tourists spots of the province, initiation of work on Kalam Development Authority, Initiation of Home Stay Pilot Project, outsourcing of all Government Rests Houses, Establishment of Camping Grounds in Tourist Destinations, Feasibility of 15 Access Roads, Preparing of Arbab Niaz Stadium for the next Pakistan Super League, Complete eradication of Polythene Bags in Tourists Destinations and all codal formalities for the under 21 games.
The meeting was attended by Minister Finance Taimoor Salim Jhagra, Advisro to Chief Minister on NMDs Ajmal Wazir, Minister Live stock Muhib Ullah, Special Assistant to CM on Local Government Kamran Bangash, MPA and Deduk Chairman Swat Fazal Hakeem khan, Special Assistant to CM on Population Ahmad Hussain Shah, Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Kazim Niaz, Additional Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadar, Secretary Tourism, Secretary Finance, Secretary Administration, Advocate General, Commissioner Malakand, Commissioner Hazara, MD Tourism, DG Culture & Tourism Authority and other officials.
The Chief Minister intimated that all targets must be achieved within the specific timelines and no delays will be entertained in this regard. For maintaining cleanliness of tourists destinations, the Chief Minister directed the identification of suitable spots for car parking and workshops at a suitable distance from the tourists spots.
The Chief Minister also directed the initiation of crackdown against encroachments on the banks of River Swat along with imposing complete ban on mining activities. Similarly, steps should be undertaken for channelization of River Swat and a master plan should also be finalized for protection of River Swat belt.
The Chief Minister also directed legal action against the mining officer and concerned contractors involved in illegal mining activities. The Chief Minister reiterated that due to the untiring efforts of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan in general and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in particular has surfaced as a major tourist destination throughout the globe.
The meeting was informed in detail regarding the steps taken for promotion of tourism in the province, integrated tourism contingency plan and steps taken for promotion of sports & culture.
The Chief Minister was informed that the outsourcing of rest houses and initiation of home stay pilot project at tourist destinations will be made possible in the coming season whereas identification of suitable spots for camping grounds will be undertaken in consultation with the concerned Commissioners. Furthermore the tendering of three rest areas has been completed whereas section-IV has been implemented to declare four spots as rest areas.
The meeting was further informed that tourist information centers throughout the Province have been functionalized whereas all necessary arrangements have also been completed for installation of camping pods. Furthermore, work is underway on finalization of Destination Investment Management Plan and Visitors Management Plans which will be completed in eight month time.
The Chief Minister was informed that the integrated tourism contingency plan will be finalized within two weeks time whereas the establishment of automated tourist facilitation hub will be completed in the next 12 weeks.
The meeting was informed that the provincial and regional games competition, as part of the under 21 games, will be held between 3rd and 7th March of the ongoing year. Similarly, inter districts games will be held between 15th and 19th April 2020, talent hunt program will be carried out from 1st March to 5th April, Jashne Swat from 15th to 20th March, Dera-Jaat Festival between 21st and 23rd March and sports competition in the NMDs will start from 25th February of the ongoing year.
The meeting was also informed regarding the steps taken for beautification of swat Bazaar and anti-encroachment drive.
The meeting also agreed on initiation of Non-ADP schemes on the pattern of Peshawar Revival plan for the beautification of Swat Bazaar which will be initiated under the supervision of Local Government Department and will be completed during the next 02 years.
