The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government is fully committed to promoting tourism as a key pillar of economic growth, employment generation and projection of the province’s positive image at national and international levels, said Provincial Minister for Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control, Syed Fakhar Jehan.
He said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, blessed with natural beauty, rich historical heritage and strong cultural values, needs to be projected as a peaceful and attractive destination to the world.
In this context, the holding of International Tourism Conference and Exhibition in Peshawar is a milestone towards showcasing the province’s immense tourism potential.
Addressing the ceremony as chief guest at the International Tourism Conference and Exhibition held at a private hotel in Peshawar on Tuesday, the Provincial Minister said that such tourism conferences were previously held in other cities outside the province. However, organizing a global-level tourism conference and exhibition in Peshawar to highlight Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s tourism heritage and opportunities to the world is a highly commendable and welcome initiative.
He appreciated the efforts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, the organizer Pakistan Media Development Foundation and other supporting organizations for successfully arranging the conference.
He also thanked the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry for its active participation, emphasizing that close coordination between the public and private sectors is essential for the promotion of tourism.
On the occasion, the Provincial Minister visited various stalls showcasing historical, cultural and tourism sites and crafts from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of the country and expressed keen interest in the displays.
The conference was attended by US Consul General in Peshawar Thomas Eckert, Director General KP Culture and Tourism Authority Usman Mahsud, President Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Junaid Altaf, former Chamber President Ghaznfar Bilour, Head of Pakistan Media Development Foundation Durdana Shahab, officials of government and various organizations, media representatives and people from different walks of life.
In his address, Syed Fakhar Jehan recalled that during his previous tenure as Provincial Minister for Sports, major cultural events such as the Horse and Cattle Show in Peshawar and large-scale event of Derjat at Dera Ismail Khan were organized, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from across the country.This, he said, clearly demonstrates that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a peaceful and suitable province for tourism and cultural activities.
He said that through this conference, a clear message is being conveyed to people across Pakistan to visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, enjoy its hospitality, natural beauty and scenic landscapes and experience its rich culture firsthand.Highlighting the province’s cultural strength, he added, would help project a positive image of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the global level.
He said that the provincial government is providing a conducive environment for business activities, investment and industrial growth, adding that last year the provincial government established a provincial transmission company, through which electricity generated in the province will be supplied to industries at affordable rates.
The project will initially be launched in Swat region, which will directly benefit the tourism industry and further promote tourism activities.
He further said that the provincial government has launched a Tourism Maizban (Host) Program, under which interest-free loans of up to Rs 3 million are being provided through the Bank of Khyber. These loans will be repayable over five years, enabling local communities to establish two-room accommodation facilities at tourist destinations.
This initiative will play a vital role in promoting eco-tourism, while also helping conserve natural beauty. So far, 81 individuals have benefited from this scheme.
Syed Fakhar Jehan also said that two Adventure Tourism Schools have been established in the province, where training in paragliding and other adventure activities will be provided. Youth from across the country will come to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to receive professional training in these fields.
He added that for the first time, the provincial government has introduced the concept of Integrated Tourism Zones, for which feasibility studies of Ghanol, Mankial, Thandiani and Madaklasht have been completed. Modern facilities will be developed at these locations to promote organized and sustainable tourism.
The Provincial Minister concluded that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is rich in natural resources and possesses immense potential in key sectors such as tourism, hydropower and gas. The government is implementing a comprehensive strategy to develop all sectors, and in the coming years, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will emerge as a major driver of Pakistan’s economic growth.