‘Plan chalked out to boost tourism in Malakand’

MINGORA: Commissioner Malakand Riaz Khan Mehsud on Tuesday said a comprehensive plan had been chalked out to boost tourism and discourage deforestation in all parts of Malakand Division, including Swat Valley.

During a media briefing here at Commissioner's Office in Saidu Sharif, Swat, he said the provincial government had declared the year 2020 as the year of tourism and forest protection.

"The construction work on Malam Jabba Road, Kalam Road and Chakdara-Kanju Road has been completed, which will help boost tourism in the area. The Swat Expressway is also playing a key role in the tourism promotion in the area," he said. The official said steps were taken to keep the Swat River clean. He said that a campaign had been launched to protect the forest of the region, adding that over 40 people were arrested and sent to prison for cutting the forests.

The commissioner added the CM had already called an important meeting about tourism and forest protection next week, where a comprehensive strategy would be chalked out. He asked the media and locals to join hands in helping the administration identify the mafia involved in deforestation.