Tourism in swat under serious threat

Muhammad Faheem

The resurgence of a new bout of terrorism and fear amongst the general public is having a negative impact on the overall tourism situation in Swat and adjoining valleys, a popular tourist destination, especially during summer. Terrorism and fear can have significant adverse effects on the tourism industry. 

When safety and security are at risk many choose to shy away from visiting touristy resorts thus curtailing the commercial potential and depriving thousands of a livelihood that is so dependent on visitors. 

Twin blasts at Kabal CTD Police station have raised many questions about the security of the region and its effect on the tourists’ influx for the summer that is just around the corner. To address this issue, it is important for the local authorities must increase security personnel and implement effective security protocols, and create mass awareness to ensure tourists take safety measures. 

It is also crucial to address the root causes of terrorism and work towards long-term solutions to prevent its re-emergence. Fostering positive relationships and communication between the local community, law enforcement agencies, and tourists can help to build trust and confidence among tourists, and restore Swat's reputation as a safe and attractive tourism destination.

Powerful Branding of Bazar Misgran, Re-Introduction of Double-Decker buses advised

Muhammad Faheem: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Urban Policy directed to plan the powerful branding of Misgran Bazaar at the global level to attract foreign tourists and introduce double-decker buses in the central districts. The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued an urban policy that gave the direction for the development of cities, the policy is to be implemented in the next 7 years. In the policy, several important guidelines have been included for the promotion of tourism in cities.

The policy states that pedestrians in Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Swabi, and Nowshera and tours will be set up for tourists to visit historical places on foot. Similarly, double-decker buses will be introduced in these cities.

Historical Bazar Musgran will be branded and promoted internationally to attract foreign tourists. Camps and tours will be organized for tourists in all historic educational institutions of Peshawar such as Islamia College and Lady Griffith School.

 BRT Loan Swelled to 92 Billion Yet to be Completed 

Muhammad Faheem

Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit an ambitious project initiated by PTI Government has so far guzzled up Rs 92 Billion, financed primarily by Asian Development Bank and Agency France Development. The project is still not fully finished. The government is yet to receive more than 12 billion loans after which the value of the loan for this project alone is likely to exceed 105 Billion Rupees. 

The foundation stone of BRT  was laid in October 2017 and was to be completed in 6 months at the cost of 67 billion rupees. The transit project has now been extended to be completed by December 2023. According to the document, 98% of the loan has been disbursed from Asian Development Bank while 63% has been disbursed from Agency France Development. The traffic In Peshawar has become a nightmare for private commuters as existing roads used to make way for BRT public transport may have improved for city dwellers but road congestion has been exacerbated.