Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the government was committed to bringing a revolution in tourism and agriculture by modernizing the sectors.
He said that proper infrastructure and roads would make the connecting areas a tourism hub, speaking at the inauguration of Peshawar-Dara Adam Khel road and the groundbreaking of Chitral-Shindur road.
He claimed that the Peshawar-Dara Adam Khel road would connect to the western side, making travel through Peshawar and the surrounding areas easier and that the Chitral-Shindur road, which would later be connected to Gilgit, would open up a new world of unexplored tourist destinations.
“The road would provide convenient access to the valleys, not only for summer trekking but also for winter skiing, providing an incredible treat for tourists,” he added.
He acknowledged that the country was blessed with serene natural beauty, especially in its northern regions, but expressed regret that previous rulers spent their vacations in Europe and neglected to visit local tourist attractions. Imran Khan believes that properly constructed road networks and the introduction of telecommunication services would boost the economy in these areas.
The next step, he said, will be to build resorts to accommodate the influx of visitors. He emphasized the importance of zoning tourist areas geographically and enforcing proper bylaws by restricting hotel development areas and protecting green pastures and prairies.
Imran Khan said that Switzerland, the world’s top tourist destination with an estimated $80 billion in tourism revenue, was half the size of Pakistan’s northern areas and lacked its stunning natural beauty.
He said that Pakistan’s Malam Jabba drew a large number of tourists during the winter months and that many more such places in the area had yet to be discovered.
He urged people to continue wearing masks in public places to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
In two weeks after he posted pictures of Kumrat valley on social media, 0.1 million people flocked to the area, he said. However, he claimed that the lovely area was littered due to a lack of infrastructure.
He emphasized the importance of community participation in forest protection and cleanliness.
In terms of agriculture, he predicted a revolution, with a focus on the plantation, especially olive and saffron vegetation, which would not only contribute to food security but also generate revenue.
The prime minister said that he had given directives to encourage the cultivation of avocados in Islamabad due to the city’s fertile land.
He praised Mahmood Khan, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), for properly mapping areas and demarcating tourist attractions.
