KP Govt to explore tourism potential in tribal districts: Atif

F.P. Report

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senior Minister for Tourism, Archeology, Sports and Youth Affairs, Atif Khan on Monday said tribal districts have immense potential for tourism keeping in view presence of thousands of relics and holly sites of Buddah era and historic locations of British empire.

He expressed these views during a visit to District Khyber here. The minister said that government was focused on promoting tourism, cultural and sporting activities in the tribal districts and for this purpose Safari train service would be started soon from Peshawar to Torkhum border, adding all these activities are meant to create job opportunities for youth in this region.

He also visited thousands years old Shapula Sputa in tehsil Jamrud , considered one of the holy location in Buddhism.

The minister said that a survey would be conducted to identify thousands of relics and holy sites of Budhism and British era for preservation and repair work.

“Tribal districts have been blessed with immense beauty and landscape, with promotion of tourism we will give message of peace to the world,” he said.

Regarding Safari train, the minister said that a letter had been written to Railways Ministry and Safari train service to Torkhum would be resumed soon. This would create job opportunities, easing traveling and boosting trade and business activities in the region.

Atif Khan said that government would provide loans to youth of tribal district to start their own business and more playing grounds would be constructed to organize sporting events.

The minister said that cultural centers would be setup in every district and cultural events and folk music completion would be held on regular basis.