Poor infrastructure thwarts tourism in K-P

Despite record-high domestic and international tourist arrivals, many scenic regions remain inaccessible or underdevel

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), with its stunning natural landscape and rich cultural heritage, holds immense potential as a leading tourism destination. However, the province's capacity to attract and accommodate tourists remains largely untapped due to poor infrastructure and a lack of basic facilities in key tourist areas.

Every summer, tourists from across Pakistan and abroad flock to picturesque mountain destinations such as Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Malam Jabba, Bahrain, Galiyat, and Kaghan. These regions, with their breathtaking views and pleasant weather, offer a break from the scorching heat of the lowlands. However, residents and social activists opine that despite the surge in tourism, the government has failed to provide the necessary infrastructure and services to support the demand for tourism.

Jawad Ali, a social activist from Kalam, shared his two cents on the untapped tourism potential of K-P. "Thousands of tourists visit our region every year. While the government has made some progress in road development, there is still a severe lack of basic facilities. If the government is serious about promoting tourism, it must prioritize road improvement and regional development," emphasized Ali.

According to data obtained from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Authority, a total of 7,664 foreign tourists visited K-P between January and December 2024, while the number of domestic tourists reached a staggering 20,618,162. Popular destinations such as Upper Dir welcomed 480 foreign tourists, Malam Jabba 2,479, Kalam 18, Bahrain 36, Galiyat 207, Upper Chitral 851, Lower Chitral 2,376, and Kaghan 1,217 during this period. This was a sharp rise from 2023, when 4,582 foreign tourists and 17,398,304 local tourists visited K-P.

For the first five months of 2025, up to May 6th, K-P welcomed 2,499 foreign tourists and 296,830 domestic travelers. The overall number of tourists visiting K-P increased by 18.5 per cent over the past two years. While these figures indicate the potential of K-P to emerge as a popular travel destination, the condition of roads and other infrastructure continues to disappoint visitors.

Syed Amjad Ali Shah, a resident of Dir, expressed his frustration over the state of the dilapidated road network. "Thousands of tourists, both local and foreign, come here every year, but many turn back once they see the poor state of the roads. Many people have built large hotels and plazas alongside the rivers, which increases the risk of floods and damages local infrastructure. The government must take strict action against land encroachers and prioritize sustainable development. Repairing roads and improving access to tourist destinations will not only attract more tourists but will also uplift the region's economy." implored Shah.

Tourism experts agree that addressing these infrastructural issues could significantly boost the province's economy since access to developed roads, clean water, waste management systems, and adherence to tourist safety measures are essential for long-term growth in tourism-based economies. Furthermore, enhancing local capacity and preserving the environment must also be key components of any development plan.

Director General of Tourism and Culture, Arif Habib, told The Express Tribune that while efforts were underway to promote tourism in K-P, some areas were still facing infrastructural challenges, particularly poor road conditions.

"The responsibility for road rehabilitation lies with the National Highway Authority (NHA). Tourism is the second most important sector in the world after communication. Therefore, in order to encourage foreign tourists, we have waived the 400 US dollars fee previously charged to international climbers aiming to summit Tirich Mir. However, tourism in K-P is closely tied to peace hence sustainable tourism cannot thrive without stability in the region," said Habib.

While pondering over the future of tourism in the province, locals like Shah believed that if tourists were guaranteed proper facilities, they would visit in greater numbers. "This would not only strengthen Pakistan's economy but will also boost its reputation as a welcoming country across the globe," added Shah.