K-P budget to boost southern tourism

Advisor to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Tourism and Culture, Zahid Chanzeb, revealed plans to include tourism development projects for southern districts in the upcoming budget.

This announcement came after a meeting with members of the national and provincial assemblies from these districts at the CM House Peshawar. During the meeting, discussions centered on proposals to enhance tourism, culture, and archeology in the southern and merged districts of the province.

Chanzeb assured that the recommendations of legislators from the southern districts would be incorporated into the tourism plan.

He disclosed that sufficient funds would be allocated in the provincial budget for the next financial year, to be presented in June, to support tourism development across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), including the southern and merged districts.

Acknowledging the rich tourism and cultural heritage of these areas, Chanzeb highlighted the vast potential for investment to attract international tourists and foster the growth of the tourism industry.

He emphasized that the vision of former prime minister Imran Khan, the founder chairman of PTI, includes the development of tourism as a means to increase income and employment opportunities in the province significantly.

Chanzeb stressed that the region’s traditional hospitality and vibrant culture would enhance Pakistan’s soft image globally.

He outlined plans to promote tourism activities in all corners of K-P, particularly in the southern and merged districts, from Kohat to Dera Ismail Khan and from Khyber to Orakzai and Bajaur.

Recognizing the untapped potential of these areas, Chanzeb noted proposals to enhance infrastructure and improve the law-and-order situation to attract foreign tourists.

He acknowledged that the tourism sector had been neglected in the past but expressed confidence in the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to promote tourism alongside other sectors over the next five years.

He outlined plans to promote tourism activities in all corners of K-P, particularly in the southern and merged districts, from Kohat to Dera Ismail Khan and from Khyber to Orakzai and Bajaur.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 13^th, 2024.