PESHAWAR: As many as 35 ongoing and 20 new schemes in various sectors of tourism, culture and archaeology have been proposed for inclusion in Annual Development Programme (ADP) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

This was disclosed in a meeting chaired by the adviser to chief minister on tourism and culture and archaeology, Zahid Chinzeb, according to a statement issued here on Monday.

The meeting discussed preparation of ADP for tourism, culture and archaeology sectors. It decided that keeping in view the meagre financial resources of the province, most of the projects would be completed through public-private partnership.

Under the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP) that was launched with the support of federal government for merged districts, five ongoing and new schemes are being included in ADP for which three billion rupees are being allocated.

The tourism secretary, Mohammad Bakhtiar Khan, chief planning officer Zainullah Khan, director general culture and tourism authority Barkatullah Marwat, director archives Dr Abdul Samad and other relevant officials attended the meeting.

Highlighting the priorities of government, Mr Chinzeb said that only viable schemes should be included in the new ADP. He said that in the future, instead of wasting resources on construction of buildings and rest houses in tourist areas, eco-friendly tourism should be promoted in which makeshift camping pods and fireproof tents and washrooms for boarding and lodging of tourists should be set up.

He said that launch of helicopter service for tourist places, establishment of theme and adventure parks at important tourist resorts, construction of link roads for new tourist areas and installation of modern chairlifts in mountainous areas were measures that involved interest of tourists and enhanced the opportunities of entertainment and creativity for visitors, especially children and youth.

“This will also increase the income of the province and employment opportunities for the local people,” said Mr Chinzeb. He directed relevant officials to keep Chitral on top priority in the ADP where there was a wide range of tourism opportunities. He said that there was a possibility of round the year tourism activities after Lowari tunnel remained open.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2024