World Tourism Day: Nishtar Hall reopens for cultural activities after renovation

PESHAWAR: Advisor to Chief Minister on Tourism, Culture, Archaeology, and Museums, Zahid Chanzeb, has said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the preferred destination for domestic and international tourists because of enormous natural beauty, scenic sites, waterfalls and lush green pastures and thick forests in the mountains.

“The Nishtar Hall, Peshawar, has been reopened after extensive renovation and refurbishment costing Rs117 million. The historic cultural venue will now serve as a hub for artistic and cultural events in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Zahid Chanzeb said while addressing a ceremony held in connection with the World Tourism Day here.

He said the revenue generated from Nishtar Hall would be used for the welfare of senior artistes, particularly those above the age of 60 years, adding that these funds would primarily be allocated for their medical treatment and well-being.

He said: “The renovation of Nishtar Hall is an important step towards fostering and preserving the region’s rich artistic heritage.” Zahid Chanzeb also announced that artistes would receive a 50 percent concession in rental fees for using Nishtar Hall, making it more accessible for local talent. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is rapidly emerging as a prime tourist destination, and cultural preservation is key to our vision,” he added.

The ceremony, which was part of the Tourism Excellence Awards on World Tourism Day, was also attended by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur as the chief guest.

Provincial ministers, including Minister for Higher Education Meena Khan and Food Minister Muhammad Zahir Shah, Adviser on Communication and Work Sohail Afridi, Secretary Tourism Dr Muhammad Bakhtiar Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) Director General Tashfeen Haider, Director General Archaeology Abdul Samad Khan, KITE Project Director Tauseef Khalid, Peshawar Commissioner Riaz Mahsud, Director Generals of all authorities, artistes and media-persons attended the event as well.

Recounting achievements of the Tourism Department, Zahid Chanzeb said that over 10 million tourists visited the province’s scenic spots during the last three months, marking a resurgence in the local tourism industry.

He said the Tourism Excellence Awards were meant to acknowledge the services and contribution of the individuals they rendered for boosting tourism in KP.The adviser added that the government honoured key players with awards for their services in the fields of hospitality, adventure tourism, media, and tour guides in the sector.

Journalists from print and electronic media were awarded the Tourism Excellence Awards to recognize their contribution to promoting tourism through their respective media outlets.The recipients included: Arshad Aziz Malik, Amjad Aziz Malik Farzana Ali, Mumtaz Bangash, Imran Yousafzai, Muhammad Irshad, Ismail Khan, Irfan Khan, and Fareedullah.

People from various sectors of the tourism industry were also awarded for contributions.Among them were: Kiran Afzal, Aftab Rana, Shahzada Sirajul Mulk, Asif Ikram, Irani Bibi from Kalasha Guest House.

In the adventure sports category, the award-winners included: Babar Khan from the Frontier 4x4 Club, Khalid Khalil from Adventure HK, Shahzada Sikandarul Mulk from the Polo Association, Yousaf Akhtar, representing Pakistan Bikers, along with other individuals, who contributed to adventure tourism in the region.The evening concluded with a musical performance and an art exhibition highlighting the province’s cultural vibrancy.