KP is set to become tourist hub of Pakistan: CM

F.P. Report

PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan on Tuesday said KP is set to become the tourist hub of Pakistan, adding that all out efforts are underway to maximize the benefits from the tourism sector this year.

The chief minister said this while chairing the fourth meeting of the task force on tourism. He also issued instructions to all concerned departments to take initiatives aimed not only at maximizing the inflow of tourists but also to ensure that they are properly facilitated at every level.

Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said that the district administrations in collaboration with the local authorities & TMAs shall ensure proper waste disposal and cleanliness in the touristic valleys of Galyat, Naran, Kalam and Chitral so as to keep the local environment clean and green.

He also directed the Health department to ensure availability of doctors and medicine in all BHUs and RHCs along with provision of mobile health facilities in the touristic valleys of Abbottabad, Manshera, Swat and Chitral in the forthcoming summer.

Mehmood Khan was informed that previously tourists were hesitant to visit the province due to lack of the government arrangements and facilities. In comparison, last year witnessed huge influx of tourists who thronged the scenic valleys of the province owing to extended facilitation of visitors by concerned departments.

This year, the tourism department intends to provide all out facilitation to attract maximum number of tourists in the forthcoming summer starting from Eid ul Fitr.

Khan was further informed that in order to provide special security to the visiting tourists, the Police Department will deploy Tourist Police viz-a-viz ensuing proper Traffic Management Plan so as to avoid traffic congestions. The police will not only help in providing security but will also help in facilitating the incoming visitors.

The deployment of police is expected to initiate from Eid ul Fitr onwards which will help ensure safety of tourists and smooth flow of traffic in the scenic valleys of the province especially in Galyat, Naran, Kalam and Chitral Valleys.

The chief minister also directed to ensure availability of Rescue 1122 services so as to ensure timely rescue in case of emergencies. These measures will help in providing a sense of security to the visiting tourists.