Snow festival begins in Swat

MINGORA: Advisor to chief minister on Tourism Abdul Munim Khan on Saturday said that revival of scenic places, refurbishment and renovation of archaeological and heritage sites and provision of facilities to boost tourism in the province were the top priorities of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government.

Inaugurating the three-day Swat Snow Festival in Malam Jabba, Abdul Munim Khan said the event was aimed at promoting and reviving tourism and attracting tourist to the serene valley.

Besides Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) Managing Director Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, TCKP General Manager (Admin) Sajjad Hameed, Director Culture Ajmal Khan, Deputy Commissioner Swat Atifur Rehman, a large number of skiers and tourists were present on the occasion.

The advisor to chief minister said that the “Swat Snow Festival” would send a positive message to the world that peace had been restored and tourism activities in full swing in Malakand and Hazara divisions and elsewhere in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said strenuous efforts were being made to develop scenic spots and make facilities available there to attract domestic and foreign tourists to the province.

He added that he was very happy to see a large number of visitors at the event.

Managing Director Mushtaq Ahmed and DC Atifur Rehman said that the concerned departments had made better arrangements to hold the festival in a befitting manner.

The festival was aimed at bringing the serene spots, including Malam Jabba, Madyan, Bahrain and elsewhere in the valley, back to life and attracting tourists to these destinations, they added.

TCKP and the Swat district administration have jointly organised the festival and skiers from across the country are participating in the event.

Skiing, paragliding, tobogganing, playland, music show, and food and handicrafts stalls are features of the festival.

Stalls of local cuisines, handcrafts, traditional dresses showcasing culture of the province have been established.

The TCKP has arranged several events, including paragliding, rafting, safari train tours for domestic and foreign tourists.