PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) in collaboration with the child protection department arranged a tour of scenic and historic spots for orphans and street children of Zamong Kor on Eidul Fitr.

The aim of the tour was to provide opportunities for exposure, enjoyment and recreation to orphans and street children and to make their Eid special.

The children visited Lala Zar Park, Nathia Gali Park and Sajikot waterfall.

A statement issued here said tourists, locals and officials gave special attention and time to such children and said it was the collective responsibility of the government and the citizens to facilitate and create such opportunities for orphans, street children, and differently-abled children.

The KPCTA also informed and guided the children about the ecological and cultural heritage of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “KPCTA believes that involving children in such activities can synergistically affect the preservation and promotion of the ecological and cultural heritage of the province,” the statement said.

During the tour, the children also participated in various recreational activities and enjoyed the ambiance and environment of tourist places. They also appreciated the efforts of KPCTA and the child protection department for arranging such a great tour.

The child protection department officials said such activities could help increase the confidence of children and could enable them to become useful members of society.

The children also visited the tourist facilitation centre in Abbottabad, where they were informed about its need and purpose.

KPCTA director general Bakhtiar Khan said they needed to keep the miseries of orphans and street children in their minds, particularly on occasions and festivities.

He also promised that tours and events would also be arranged in the future to provide opportunities for recreation and enjoyment to orphans, street children and the differently-abled children.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2023