Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkwa (KP) Public Private Partnership Committee has approved the implementation of three Integrated Tourism Zones (ITZs) for an accumulative cost of PKR 12.2 billion, according to a news published on October 03.
The newly approved ITZs include; ITZ Madaklasht, ITZ Ganool, and ITZ Mankiyal. During the committee meeting, which was chaired by KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, the tendering of ITZ Ganool was formally approved and it will be followed by ITZ Mankiyal and ITZ Madaklasht. These projects were termed an important step toward the development of the provincial tourism industry.
The Public Private Partnership Committee took several decisions and the chief minister directed the relevant authorities to ensure the implementation of the aforementioned ITZs as per the communicated timelines. CM Khan insisted that the government is resolved to develop the tourism industry by enhancing the existing tourism infrastructure and exploring the potential of new tourist sites in the province. It was highlighted that Integrated Tourism Zones will offer world-class lodging, restaurants and outlets for recreational facilities.
The meeting was informed that ITZ Ganool will span 60 acres and will be constructed at a cost of PKR 5.5 billion and will offer proximity to attractions like Saiful Maluk lake, Dudi Patsar lake, Payala lake, Shogran, Siri Pai and Kaghan valley. Similarly, ITZ Mankiyal will span 30 acres and will be constructed at a cost of PKR 2.9 billion and will be near attractions like Jarogo Valley, Jabba lake, Waterfall Katora lake and Swat valley. As per the plan, ITZ Madaklasht will span 69.4 acres and will be constructed at a cost of PKR 3.8 billion and will be near attractions like Chitral goal, National Park, Kalash valley and Shandoor Pass.
The meeting attendees were also informed that Section IV has been imposed on proposed sites for ITZs and land assessment is also underway. Moreover, an 11 KV transmission line is available in the vicinity of each ITZ and a request has been filed with Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) for a survey and provision of demand notice for linking the main transmission line to ITZ sites.
The chief minister reiterated that the government is operating under a realistic plan aimed at maximizing the tourism potential and leveraging it for economic growth and self-reliance in KP.
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