SWAT: Special assistant to the chief minister for tourism and culture Malik Adeel Iqbal on Monday said that Swat Valley offered immense opportunities for tourism and investment, so the provincial government was taking practical steps to promote investment in the tourism sector.

Talking to media representatives during the pre-bid meeting for Swat Hotel (formerly Swat Serena Hotel), Mr Iqbal said that both local and international investors had shown keen interest in the bidding process.

He said that a roadshow and pre-bid meeting were organised to facilitate investors and ensure transparency in the process.

A large number of investors participated in the meeting and shared their suggestions and opinions, which authorities carefully considered.

Participants received a detailed briefing on the bidding procedure, terms and conditions, and the investment opportunities available in the project.

The aide to the CM said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was committed to modernising the tourism sector and encouraging private-sector investment.

He said investment in Swat and other tourist destinations across the province would not only boost tourism activities but also create new employment opportunities for local communities.

Mr Iqbal said that promoting eco-tourism and discouraging concrete construction at tourism sites was the vision of PTI founder Imran Khan.

“The provincial government is making laws for eco-tourism and discouraging haphazard and unplanned constructions at tourist sites in KP,” he said.

The special assistant said that the record tourist arrivals in Swat Valley during Eidul Azha holidays was clear evidence that the province, particularly Swat, had emerged as an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving facilities for visitors and continuing efforts to further promote tourism throughout the province.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2026