Although, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has completed four years of its tenure, it has ignored the tourism sector in the province and like the other tourism-rich districts; Swat too is undeveloped and ignored.
Swat is a beautiful district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Located in the north of the province, it is often called the ‘Switzerland of Pakistan’. Distance from Peshawar to Swat is 140 kilometres. The region is scenic and historically an attractive destination for not only local tourists, but foreign travel enthusiasts as well.
This district, populated by more than two million people faced a military operation due to rising militancy and terrorism. In 2008, Pak Army did military operations to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the region. Due to militancy and internal displacement, the locals suffered to great extent. After successful operations, the situation has improved and the internally displaced persons are now back in their homes.
District Swat has more than 20 tourist areas, in which Mingora city, Saidu Baba Mazar, Fizagat, Miandam, Madyan, Bahrain, Kalam, Uthror, Mahodand, Matalthan, Zangal, Khararai, Glacier, Malamjaba, Gabinjaba, Jarogai, Elum, Marghuzar, and Swat Wonder World Amusement Park, etc, are the prominent places.
Fizagat has a big park which is the only government park in Malakand division. Miandam has at least 10 resorts, including a PTDC hotel, to facilitate visitors.
Bahrain is known for River Swat and also offers many luxurious hotels. Malamjaba is famous for skiing. Tourists from all over the country come every year to enjoy this sport. Gabinjaba has greenery, jungles and natural grounds. Jarogai is famous for a big waterfall. Elum is a high, mountainous area. Marghuzar is famous for attractive green tourist spots. It also has the beautiful palace of Wali Swat Mian Gul Jehanzeb which has now been converted into a hotel. Swat Wonder World Amusement Park is the only private park in the Malakand division which has all types of facilities for tourists.
According to Dr Muhammad Humayun Huma, a renowned columnist and intellectual who regularly visits the Miandam locality during summer, Miandam is a very beautiful place. Although, it is an undeveloped tourist area, hundreds of people regularly come here and enjoy nature and the cool weather. Distance from Mingora city to Miandam is 55 kilometres. The population of Miandam is 50,000. Mingora-Miandam Road is narrow and undeveloped. There are only two schools for boys and girls and a small hospital which is not enough for the locals.
Like the other places, Miandam is also full of hidden beauty. “Here, I feel comport and enjoy the pleasant weather every year along with family. The provincial government must focus on the infrastructure development of Miandam to attract and facilitate more and more tourists towards this beautiful place,” he said.
The people of Swat are very hospitable, polite and soft-hearted. They warmly welcome the tourists and facilitate them according to their resources. That is why Swat has become a hub of tourism in Khyber Pakhtu khwa.
Riaz Khan Yousufzai, a local, said in 2013 the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had promised to install turbines in Swat to generate electricity. However, it did not do anything to resolve the energy crisis in the province.
Infrastructure is another major concern, he said. GT Road of Swat is also undeveloped and is unable to meet the needs of the locals.
“There are no development projects and there is a lack of proper health units for addressing the healthcare concerns of the local populace, let alone the tourists. The closest and only big hospital in the district is the Saidu Sharif Hospital,” Yousufzai added.
Lamenting the privatisation of government hotels and resorts, he said, “Privatisation of the government hotels and resorts and high taxes are dangerous for the development and promotion of tourism. The government should devise a new policy to address the issue.”
According to different sources, thousands of tourists come to Swat during summer and on special days. However, the number can be much higher if the government takes an interest in this sector. Proper planning and management in this important sector can be vital for the development and growth of the economy in general and this region in particular.
Dr Fahad Khan Afridi, an assistant professor, advisor on doctoral studies and chairman of the Department of Management Sciences at CECOS University of IT and Emerging Sciences, Peshawar, said tourism could play a massive role in the economic development of a country.
“In the present global scenario, it is considered to be an important sector to invest. If we take the example of advanced economies like the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, etc, they are earning a major share of their GDP from tourism. According to the 2012 statistics, French government earned 77.7 billion euros from tourism, which includes 30 percent from international and 70 percent from local tourists and visitors,” Afridi said.
The professor also said tourism could be important in job creation. The associated industries, such as hotels, transportation, and banking, and above all local enterprises would flourish if the tourism industry was developed. “But all this is possible if proper budget is allocated to this sector, and a viable strategic plan chalked out with a revised tourism policy,” he added.
“Pakistan is an ideal location for tourists; however, apart from viable planning, this sector also demands government investment. There is dire need to invest in supportive infrastructure that facilitates both local and foreign tourists,” he maintained.
It is the need of the hour to focus on the progress of Swat. The provincial government should give proper attention to building roads, parks, rest houses and basic health units at the tourist spots. This will not only attract more and more tourists but it will also strengthen the economy of Swat by bringing a prominent positive change in the financial status of the locals.
The writer works as a staff reporter with the Daily Jang in Peshawar
