The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the first meeting of the Provincial Tourism Strategy Board (PTSB) has approved the inclusion of three more tourist spots in the list of Integrated Tourism Zones In KPK. The meeting held under the CM decided to declare Ghanool (Mansehra), Mankial (Sawat), and Madaklasht (Chitral) as integrated Tourism Zones while Thandiani (Abbottabad) is likely to be included in the list soon. The matter will be put before the provincial cabinet soon for final approval. Previously KPK's Tourism Spots were introduced, now the work on more is in the process to add to the list of integrated zones.
The Chair was given a detailed briefing according to which The Ghanol ITZ will cover an area of 489 kanals, Madaklasht consists of 500 kanals and Mankyal in Sawat comprises an area of 450 kanals. The chair was also informed that the process of acquiring land in the spotted areas has been started after the imposition of section-4 in the respective sites while the codal formalities at Thandiani (Abbottabad) are in process and soon it will also be included in the list of ITZs. The meeting was also attended by member cabinet Taimur Salim Jagra, Ishtiaq Umer, and Chief Secretary Shahzad Bangash, Additional Chief Secretary, and some other notables. The officials of the concerned department also told that the master plan of the ITZs has been completed however the management plan is in the process which would be presented soon and it would be presented to Dubai Expo to attract investment and Tourism. The Chief Minister directed the concerned quarters to complete all the formalities within the next two months and submit the documents for approval. He also directed the authorities to also ensure the protection of the environment, forests, and rivers.
The Incumbent government is planning to set up dozens of Special Integrated Economic Zones In Pakistan. The government has already started work on Four Integrated Economic Zones in KPK which is being provided with the basic facilities to build these spots upon international lines with the belief that they would attract tourism and investment from local as well as from international level. The development work on integrated zones includes roads, water supply, pathways, solid waste management, electricity supply, and infrastructure development. The government believes that providing the basic facilities will not only promote tourism in the province but also provide a neat and clean environment in the tourists’ spots. The promotion of tourism on the modern lines will also play an important role in economic development besides creating thousands of jobs.
