PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa tourism department has decided to outsource 128 official rest houses in the province whereas five rest houses have already been transferred to the department under the Integrated Tourism Zones (ITZ) programme.

An official statement issued here said that 128 rest houses of the total 168 would be re-advertised for outsourcing next month. Five rest houses in Nathiagali have been transferred to tourism department under ITZ programme.

A meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mahmood Khan here on Thursday discussed in detail the outsourcing of rest houses, ITZ programme, public sector development projects, construction of access roads to tourism spots and schemes reflected in current Annual Development Programme. The meeting was informed that four ITZs in Mansehra, Abbottabad, Lower Chitral and Swat were approved. These projects would be ready in all respect for launching by June next year.

The meeting was told that during the last financial year, 100 per cent utilisation of funds was ensured while Rs 910 million was spent so far of total Rs 2,916 million allocated for new and ongoing projects of tourism department during the current financial year.

Similarly, survey of eight new ITZs has been conducted and will soon be presented to relevant forum for approval. These new sites include Kalash valley in Lower Chitral; Shahi in Lower Dir; Jaroga in Swat; Marghzar DaK, Mahabanar and Ilum valley in Buner; and Serene and Mamoor valleys Mansehra.

CM orders early completion of access roads to tourist spots

Furthermore, under the PSDP projects, feasibility studies had been approved for the development of resorts at Takht-e-Sulaman Dera Ismail Khan, Garam Chashma district Chitral, Chapri and Shalzone District Kurram, Sheikh Baden Lakki and Takhtbhai District Mardan whereas negotiations with the concerned company were also in final stages for the execution of these projects.

Similarly, feasibility of 14-kilometre Kumrat cable car project is being prepared whereas progress on Ayubia chairlift project is underway. Under the public-private partnership initiatives, work on the feasibility studies for development of Hund theme park in Swabi and Mahodand Lake in Swat is in progress.

The meeting was informed that various schemes including development of six waterfalls, four tourist sites and construction of three access roads were approved by PDWP. Development of 52.5-kilometre access roads in Malakand division and 60-kilometre access roads of Hazara division is also part of current developmental programme.

Beside these projects, PC-1 of the World Bank-assisted access roads project would be approved next month. The authorities said that survey was underway for establishment of rest areas in various tourist zones of the province.

In order to promote heritage tourism, 134 signboards have been installed in Mardan, on Swat Motorway, in Takhtbhai, Jamal Garhi and Shahbaz Garhi to facilitate tourists whereas installation of 130 signboards in Swat has been ordered.

The chief minister termed promotion of tourism one of the top priorities of the government. He said that government was taking pragmatic steps to develop tourism as an industry to create job opportunities for the people of the province.

He directed the officials concerned to take all necessary steps for timely completion and rehabilitation of access roads to tourist spots.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2020