LOWER DIR: Malakand Division Hotels and Restaurant Association has condemned frequent raids and heavy fines imposed on hotels by district administration, terming them obstacles to economic progress and development of tourism in the region.

The association said that the hotel industry provided employment to thousands of people and the deteriorating condition of roads in Malakand division was adversely affecting tourism. It urged authorities to prioritise road construction and maintenance to promote tourism.

Addressing a convention of hoteliers and traders as chief guest in Timergara on Sunday, Haji Zahid Khan, president of Malakand Division Hotels and Restaurant Association, raised concerns over alleged misuse of power by authorities.

Other office-bearers of the association including vice president Hayat Khan, general secretary Subhanullah Akhund Khel and president of Anjuman Tajiran Timergara Haji Anwaruddin and Abdul Rahman Khan were also present on the occasion.

Haji Zahid Khan said that multiple departments including Halal Food Authority, consumer court, labour court, food department, health department, civil defence, and district administration conducted unnecessary and unlawful raids on hotels.

He said that according to a ruling of Peshawar High Court, only Halal Food Authority had the jurisdiction to inspect hotels for cleanliness and hygiene while other departments were not authorised to impose fines on them or conduct inspections.

“We will resist harassment of hotel and restaurant owners and will seek legal recourse,” he said. He added that Malakand division was a tax-free zone and exempted from Customs Act. Any attempt to introduce taxes in the region would be strongly opposed, he added.

The association urged government to improve the condition of roads in Malakand division as better infrastructure was crucial for the growth of tourism and hotel industry.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2025