‘Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Facets’ published after lull of two years.
A quarterly magazine of Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP), titled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Facets, was published after a gap of two years on Saturday.
The 51-page colourful newsletter shows beautiful photos of the scenic valleys, diverse cultures, ancient markets, indigenous sports and natives of K-P: an area that has seen its tourism crumble in the past decade. The pictures have been taken by various photographers during events arranged by TCKP.
Zehra Alam, who manages media for TCKP, told The Express Tribune that 5,000 copies have been published and sent to national and international organisations, foreign embassies in Pakistan and media institutions with the aim to boost tourism in K-P.
Alam claims that due to a lack of interest from the authorities concerned and the precarious law and order situation of the province, the newsletter was not published for the past two years. This 10th issue of the newsletter also includes events from these two years.
TCKP has already received a letter of appreciation from Queen Elizabeth II and the Prince of Wales for its 2013 calendar, which also included pictures and information about various places in the province. According to TCKP, this was the third time they have received such feedback from the queen; previously in 2009 and 2010 she expressed appreciation for the vintage theme calendar.
Among many other events, the current issue details the Shandur Polo Festival, Khanpur Festival, Jashn-e-Chitral, train excursions to Attock Khurd, the Indus River Water Cross, centenary of the fire engines at Gor Gathri, Karachi to Khyber Vintage Car Rally and Inoki’s Wrestling for Peace Festival. There are also various shots of the Buddha of Jahanabad, Swat Valley, and the archaeological sites of Ranigat in Buner and Takht Bhai in Mardan.
The newsletter also informs readers about the markhor – the national animal of Pakistan – that is found in abundance in Chitral district and reportedly brings over $70,000 to locals through hunting licences. The publication also contains some important links related to tourism in the province.
TCKP was founded in 1991 for the purpose of promoting and developing the tourism industry of K-P. “My objective is to develop the historically significant sites of the province and make them tourist-friendly destinations,” writes Minister for Culture, Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Mahmood Khan in the newsletter. To develop the socioeconomic conditions of K-P residents, the note adds, four new tourist destinations will be opened including Supat Valley in Kohistan, Kumrat Valley in Dir, and Gabeen and Sultan valleys in Swat.
Similarly, TCKP Managing Director Mushtaq Ahmad Khan writes that the inauguration of a ferry cruise service in DI Khan is near completion.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 25th, 2014.
COMMENTS (5)
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Not only tourism but also our business of kidnapping, arms manufacturing, disappearing will flourish. All the money spent in the name of Tourism is a waste until all the terrorist elements are eliminated.
Very nice newsletter. Hope it will make the tourist come to KP as tourism is the only industry that also earns huge revenue for the province. But the industry depends on the best security conditions. KP government has already banes the entry of forigners to the province after the abduction of Chinies cyclist in DIKhan. For we want to flourish tourism we gave to improve the security situation.
My friend Mushtaq sahib, ever since you joined TCKP a visible change occurred in activities, moving forward things and the real development started. Will be happy to assist in your plans.The Newsletter will surely drive the tourists for KPK