The Public Private Partnership (PPP) Committee of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has approved plans costing Rs. 12.2 billion intended to develop three Integrated Tourism Zones in the region.
According to the sources, the plan will be executed in three Integrated Tourism Zones (ITZs) projects in the regions of Mankiyal, Ganool, and Madaklasht. The committee has already approved the tender for ITZ Ganool, however, those for ITZ Mankiyal and ITZ Madaklasht are in the works.
The KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan decided in a meeting of the PPP committee. The meeting was also attended by the Minister for Law, Abdul Shakoor Khan, the Advisor to Chief Minister on Communication and Works, Riaz Khan, the Chief Secretary, Shehzad Bangash, and other concerned officials and administrative secretaries.
The CM directed the officials to ensure the projects are completed successfully and that the ITZs can enhance the region’s natural beauty and unique cultural elements, besides food, lodging, winter sports, and recreational facilities.
He said that the provincial government has taken various initiatives to expedite the development of sustainable tourism to make sure the province’s socioeconomic progress and that they are utilizing the tourism potential of the region in favour of the province’s economic development.
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The provincial Culture and Tourism Authority will lead the realization of the government’s vision regarding tourism.
Moreover, the committee was also briefed on the ongoing progress of ITZ projects. The project of Ganool ITZ covers an area of 60 acres and will be developed for Rs. 5.5 billion, including the attractions of the lakes like Saif-ul-Maluk, Dudipatsar, and Pyala, Shogran, Siri Paye, and the Kaghan Valley.
The Rs 2.9 billion Mankiyal ITZ project will include the adjacent attractions of Jarogo Valley, Jabba Lake, Katora Lake, and Swat Valley.
Additionally, the Madaklasht ITZ project will be developed covering an area of 69.4-acre for Rs. 3.8 billion, including, National Park, Kalash Valley, the Chitral Goal and the Shandur Pass.
It was also informed in the meeting that Section IV has been imposed on the ITZ sites, and the land assessment is in progress. The KP CM also directed to accelerate the ongoing work on the Swat Motorway Phase-II Project.
