Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Mahmood Khan. on Sunday, talked at length about the provincial government’s extensive plans to develop tourist destinations.
He said this in a meeting held with an 18-members delegation from Upper Dir at Chief Minister Secretariat, Peshawar. CM Mahmood further maintained that the government wished to develop these spots for tourism and economic stability in the province.
The delegation, headed by MNA Sahibzada Sibghatullah, had reached out to the chief minister with reference to the National Park issue at Kumrat, District Upper Dir. Upon which, Mahmood gave his assurance that this park issue would be resolved soon, that too, in accordance with the wished of the local community. He also said that the local community would be given their due share in the project while the government would also provide them with their proprietary rights. Plans to promote tourism in Kumrat valley in conjunction with the local community were also discussed where the resulting revenue would be reutilized in the valley on commercial lines.
He further directed the Deputy Commissioner to deliberate with the local community and effectively sort out this issue.
The CM was also apprised of several reservations of the citizens of Kumrat valley, to which he assured that their demands and wishes would be fulfilled as soon as possible.
Construction of roads and other developmental projects in the valley would be prioritised while its forests would be protected at all costs, he added.
Locals to be given due share in National Park project: CM Mahmood
The government was largely interested in promoting tourism in Kumrat to improve the living conditions of its residents, the CM maintained. He promised, “Every facility would be provided at Kumrat for the people.”
MNA Sahibzada Shibghatullah; MPA Inayatullah; MPA Sahibzada Sanaullah and MPA Bacha Saleh also visited the secretariat while others present on the occasion included the CM’s Principal Secretary, Sports Secretary, Deputy Commissioner Upper Dir, Chief Conservator, Wildlife and Chief Conservator, Forest.
Published in Daily Times, March 4th 2019.
