K-P CM Afridi vows peace, uplift as Hazara tourism gets major push

Afridi orders the identification and development of new tourist destinations in Kolai-Palas and Allai

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi directed authorities on Friday to identify and develop new tourist destinations in Kolai-Palas and Allai to unlock the immense tourism potential of Hazara Division.

Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Chief Minister’s House, CM Afridi reviewed progress on development initiatives, law and order, governance, public service delivery, and grievance redressal across the division. He stressed that tourism promotion remains a top strategic priority of the provincial government.

The meeting was informed that Rs500 million has been earmarked under the Khushhal Hazara Package specifically for tourism development projects. CM Afridi instructed concerned departments to ensure high-quality facilities and hospitality for both domestic and international tourists, noting that “tourists serve as ambassadors of the province’s positive image.”

He also directed the formulation of dedicated traffic management plans to ensure smooth movement in major tourist destinations during peak seasons.

To address longstanding local issues, the CM ordered the constitution of a commission for the permanent resolution of the boundary dispute between Chor Mali Valley and Baleej Valley in Kolai-Palas and Battagram districts. He called for immediate initiation of necessary legal and administrative processes.

The meeting also reviewed monsoon preparedness, with the CM directing all departments to remain on high alert and fully operationalise contingency plans to respond effectively to any emergency.

Highlighting the importance of responsive governance, CM Afridi directed district administrations to further strengthen public engagement. He instructed that elected representatives be actively involved in Khuli Kacheries and other outreach initiatives for timely resolution of public complaints.

“We will measure our performance not through presentations, but through public satisfaction. The current fiscal year will be a year of peace, development and prosperity,” the chief minister remarked.

He also announced an enhanced police budget to strengthen law and order and public safety across the province.

Briefing the meeting, officials informed that 139 development schemes are currently under implementation in Hazara Division under the Provincial Annual Development Programme, with substantial funds already utilised.

Out of 2,111 complaints registered through the Pakistan Citizen Portal, 1,879 have been successfully resolved. Under the Open Door Policy, more than 100 Khuli Kacheries have been conducted to strengthen direct public engagement.

Significant progress was also reported in land records digitisation: fully completed in Abbottabad and Battagram, 97 per cent in Haripur, and 90 per cent in Mansehra. Additionally, 20 Police Facilitation Centres are operational in the division, with six more under construction.

The chief minister directed all departments to ensure timely and accountable implementation of the decisions taken in the meeting. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to delivering responsive governance, efficient public services, sustainable development, and a peaceful environment.

The K-P Assembly speaker, elected representatives from Hazara Division, chief secretary, police chief and other senior officers attended the meeting.