PESHAWAR: Tourism secretary Abid Majid on Friday said pragmatic steps were being taken to facilitate tourists during their visit to the province.

“Gabin Jabba and Malam Jabba are the most attractive tourist destinations in Swat valley. Domestic and foreign tourists are showing up in the chilly winter to enjoy the beauty of ‘mini Switzerland’ in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” the secretary told a function held in connection with the inauguration of the three-day sports and cultural festival in Gabin Jabba area of Swat district.

Officials of the Swat district administration, including deputy commissioner Junaid Khan, and tourism department were also present.

The secretary said tourism was being promoted along modern lines to boost the sector and create employment opportunities for locals.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority under the aegis of the tourism department and Swat administration organised the event.

The festival featured cultural activities and sports competitions, including snow marathon race, snow cycling, snow judo, tug-of-war and archery, on the first day.

A large number of people from across the country visited the tourist information desk, handicrafts and food stalls, while children had fun in play land.

Singers and artistes, including Shahid Ali Khan, Khalid Malik, Humayun Khan, Moeez, Shaukat Mahmood and Almas Khan Khalil, will perform during the event.

The FC dance performance, rabab music, Pashto poetry recital sessions, magic and martial art shows and stage dramas are also part of the festival.

The documentary and video promo filmed by the tourism department on Swat valley and other tourist spots of the province will also be screened.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2021