PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan here on Monday directed authorities concerned to expedite work on approach roads to tourist destinations and restoration of various archaeological sites in the province.

A statement said that he issued the orders while chairing a progress review meeting on rehabilitation of archaeological sites and construction of roads to tourist resorts.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Amjad Ali Khan, Finance Secretary Ikramullah, Planning and Development Secretary Shah Mahmood, Tourism Secretary Tahir Orakzai, managing director of Pakhtunkhwa Highways Authority, director general of KP Tourism and Culture Authority and other relevant officials attended the meeting.

The chief minister told the meeting that huge investment was made during the last four years to attract national and international tourists and promote tourism in the province. He said that the establishment of tourism as an industry would not only ensure revenue generation but would also provide livelihood opportunities to locals.

He said that he was personally monitoring the development projects of tourism sector. He ordered construction of walking tracks on need basis to ensure access to tourist destinations.

Mahmood also directs restoration of archaeological sites

The meeting was informed that work was in progress on rehabilitation and remodeling of Mankyal and Thandiani roads. The projects will be completed by October 2024 at a cost of Rs3.4 and Rs2.5 billion, respectively.

In Hazara division, 38 per cent of work has been completed on Mandi Mali road, 54pc on Shogran road, 30pc on Ghanool Paprang road, 41pc on Manoor Valley road and 31pc progress has been made on Nawazabad-Mundi road. These projects will be completed this year at a cost of Rs4.6 billion.

In Malakand division, 41 per cent progress has been made on Kafir Banda road, 61pc on Burj Banda road, 40pc on Dag Sar Charoona road, 50pc on Chail Beshigram road, 29pc on Bela Beshigram road, 36pc on Areen Daral Road, 35pc on Madian-Bishigram road, 19pc on Guder Lake road, 23pc on Anakar road, and 49pc progress has been made on Marghuzar-Elum road. These projects will be completed this year at a cost of Rs4.8 billion.

The meeting was told that steps were being taken to promote religious and cultural tourism in the province. Renovation and rehabilitation of two mosques, two stupas and three museums is in progress.

The participants were told that substantial progress was made on the pre-feasibility of the Kumrat Madakalasht cable car project.

Mr Khan said that tourism police would protect tourists and tourist sites. He said that three integrated tourism zones were being established for promotion of eco-friendly and organised tourism, which was first of its kind initiative in the history of the province.

Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2023