CM Mahmood Khan orders work on KP Tourism Authority expedited

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan on Wednesday directed the quarters concerned to expedite work on the establishment of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Authority to transform the province into a tourist hub.

“Establishing tourism authority is aimed at promoting tourism as an industry to create employment opportunities for the local populace and facilitate the local and foreign tourists at the tourist attractions across the province,” the chief minister said while chairing a meeting held in connection with boosting the tourism sector in KP.

Senior Minister for Tourism Muhammad Atif Khan, Finance Minister Taimoor Saleem Jhagra, Law Minister Sultan Muhammad Khan, Information Minister Shaukat Yousafzai, Advisor to Chief Minister Ajmal Wazir and officials attended the meeting.

During the meeting, several decisions were taken including Rs111.10 million grant in aid for Kaghan Development Authority, assets of defunct Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, home cities for tourists, tourism police, Kabal Golf course, mobile health facility in tourist resorts and others.

The chief minister stated that all facilities would be made available in the tourist zones, including international standard hotels, green belts, sports grounds, jeep tracks and facilities related to tourism activities.

Mahmood Khan added that these tourist spots would be connected with Dir and soon an entire tourism network established in the province. He said that every effort would be made towards increasing tourism-related activities, which would not only help in revenue generation for the country but also promote the peaceful narrative of Pakistan internationally.