Tourism returns in full swing: Khattak orders authorities to expedite development projects

Participants were informed that Rs244.124 million would be spent on 12 tourism schemes under ADP 2015-16


Our Correspondent December 23, 2015
Participants were informed that Rs244.124 million would be spent on 12 tourism schemes under ADP 2015-16. PHOTO: EXPRESS

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has directed the relevant authorities to expedite progress on implementing his orders to establish development authorities in various parts of the province.

This was stated in a handout issued by the CM’s Secretariat on Wednesday. He said this while chairing the 20th meeting of the Tourism Corporation Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) Board of Directors.

He also urged them to finalise a draft legislation to bring all proposed and existing development authorities within the ambit of the proposed law. According to the handout, TCKP affairs, including the Annual Development Schemes 2015-16 for tourism sector, progress on tourism promotional initiatives, annual budget and accounts and numerous decisions to enable TCKP achieve its target fixed for the current year were discussed in detail at the meeting.

Meeting proceedings

Khattak directed tourism and environment departments to conduct a feasibility study to establish a recreation park under construction near Pashtun Garhi Bridge and a wetland park in the same area to preserve wildlife.

As per the handout, Khattak also directed authorities to expedite progress on construction of zoo and stressed on the need to complete beautification, rehabilitation and renovation project of Nathiagali by the forthcoming tourist season.

Participants were informed that Rs244.124 million would be spent on 12 tourism schemes under ADP 2015-16.

“These schemes include establishment of picnic spots at Malam Jabba, water sports facilities, better tracks for walking and jeeps, camps and other tourist facilities throughout K-P and traditional events at local, national and international level,” stated the handout. “Different tourism promotional events planned for 2016 including Huner Mela, Huner-e-Hawa, FITUR Spain, Madrid, ITB Berlin, Germany, Kalash Festival, Shandur Polo Festival, Broghil Festival, World Tourism Day and World Travel Mart, London were also discussed at the meeting.”

The chief minister also approved a proposal presented by tourism secretary about holding a car rally from Abbottabad to Peshawar through the tourists’ trail of Mansehra, Chilas, Shandur, and Chitral. He directed the proposed event be coincided with the next Shandur Polo Festival. Khattak asked the finance department to grant sanction to all new posts demanded by the government departments in the larger public interest.

The past

TCKP MD said the corporation carried out 18 tourism promotional activities in different parts of the province and abroad this year.

“Jewels of Peshawar held at Sethi House, K-P Cuisine and Cultural Festival, Frontier Jeep Rally, Swat, Kohat Festival, Train Excursion Trip, Ladies Summer Festival, Vintage Car Rally, Dilip Kumar’s Birthday, Pakistan International Mountain Film Festival, innovative Train Ride to Attock Khurd, Tour de Galliyat Cycle Race, Shandur polo Tournament, Train Safari on Iqbal Day and Opening of Government Rest Houses for tourists were all done this year,” the handout quoted him as saying.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24th, 2015.

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