KP CM assistant gives hints on reducing funding, staff of non-performing entities

PESHAWAR – Advisor to Prime Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tourism, Culture and Archeology Zahid Chanzeb on Sunday emphasized implementation of tourism projects and activities on emergency basis and achievement of 100 percent of the set targets for tourism development in the province.

He made it clear to the authorities that the current KP government will evaluate the performance of the departments on the basis of achieving targets and not merely on the basis of claims. He said the resources and staff of the department or institution that failed to meet the targets would be reduced, while those institutions that were performing well would be strongly encouraged and funded.

He expressed these views at a Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) briefing and in discussions with delegations of Mansehra’s elite.

During the meeting, Director General Mohammad Shabbir apprised the Tourism Advisor about the progress of Mansehra towards hotel management of Saif-ul-Maluk Lake, tourist facilities on highways and other plans related to tourism sector under his instructions. Information on ongoing and new tourism development programs was given while the managers of various departments of KDA shed light on the functioning of their institution and its achievements for the promotion of the tourism sector in the area.

Zahid Chanzeb was also informed about the opening of the Mansehra Naran to Jhalkot (MNJ) Road, besides measures to deal with the weather conditions. He was informed that this major road, managed by the National Highway Authority, is usually closed during the winter season every year due to immense weather conditions and henceforth steps are being taken to reopen it.

The consultant expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far but gave clear instructions to the KDA to take concrete steps to develop tourism in the area and provide maximum facilities to tourists.

He said the development strategy for the tourist areas should include that in addition to ensuring quality services in hotels and restaurants, special arrangements should be made for toilets and drinking water on the sides of the highways at appropriate distances, while their maintenance should be handed over to the locals. hotel owners.

He said that the main cause of most diseases is polluted water, so the authorities should pay special attention to these facts because we do not want tourists to suffer from any problems when returning home after travel and tourism.

He said the provincial government and the Ministry of Tourism will fulfill the main responsibility of promoting tourism on a solid basis throughout the province and making the travel and tours of tourists memorable, enjoyable and healthy in all respects, while for this purpose a comprehensive action plan based on established objectives will be drawn up. and targets are adopted for the next five years, he concluded.