PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi has said that tourism promotion remains a strategic priority of the provincial government and highlighted that Rs 500 million have been earmarked under the Khushhal Hazara Package specifically for tourism development projects.
Underscoring the provincial government’s commitment to unlocking Hazara Division’s tourism potential, the CM directed the relevant authorities to identify and develop new tourist destinations in Kolai-Palas and Allai.
He expressed these views while chairing a high-level review meeting at the Chief Minister’s House, Peshawar, to assess the progress on development initiatives, law and order, governance, public service delivery and grievance redressal across Hazara Division.
The meeting was briefed in detail on the implementation status of ongoing development projects, the overall security situation, governance reforms, service delivery performance and institutional mechanisms for addressing public complaints.
The CM instructed all concerned departments to ensure high-quality facilities and hospitality for both domestic and international tourists observing that tourists serve as ambassadors of the province’s positive image.
He further directed the formulation of dedicated traffic management plans to facilitate smooth movement in major tourist destinations during peak seasons.
To address longstanding boundaries issues, the CM directed the constitution of a commission to permanently resolve the boundary dispute relating to Chor Mali Valley and Baleej Valley between Kolai-Palas and Battagram districts, with instructions to the relevant authorities to initiate the necessary legal and administrative process without delay.
The meeting also reviewed preparedness for the ongoing monsoon season. The CM directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert and ensure immediate operationalization of contingency plans, emphasizing that comprehensive pre-emptive arrangements must be in place to effectively respond to any emergency situation.
Highlighting the importance of citizen-centric governance, the CM directed district administrations to further strengthen public engagement mechanisms. He instructed that elected public representatives be actively involved in Khuli Kacheries and other community outreach initiatives to facilitate timely identification and resolution of citizens’ concerns. “We will measure our performance not through presentations, but through public satisfaction. The current fiscal year will be a year of peace, development and prosperity,” the CM remarked.
Referring to the provincial government’s security priorities, the CM stated that the police budget has been enhanced to further strengthen law and order and improve public safety across the province.
The meeting was informed that 139 development schemes are currently under implementation in Hazara Division under the Provincial Annual Development Programme (ADP), with a substantial proportion of allocated funds already utilized in accordance with implementation schedules.
The participants were further informed that 1,879 out of 2,111 complaints registered through the Pakistan Citizen Portal have been successfully resolved. In addition, under the provincial government’s Opened Door Policy, divisional and district administrations have conducted more than 100 Khuli Kacheries to strengthen direct engagement with citizens.
The meeting was also informed that land records have been fully digitized in Abbottabad and Battagram, while digitization surged to 97 percent in Haripur and 90 percent in Mansehra, representing significant progress towards transparent and efficient land administration.
Regarding policing reforms, the meeting was informed that 20 Police Facilitation Centres are currently operational across Hazara Division, while six additional centres are under construction to further improve public access to police services.
The CM directed all concerned departments to ensure timely, effective and accountable implementation of the decisions taken and instructions issued during the meeting.
He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to delivering responsive governance, efficient public services, sustainable development and a peaceful environment through optimal utilization of all available resources.
Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, elected public representatives from Hazara Division, Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police and other senior officers attended the meeting.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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