mala dfr.mak
TRANSCRIPT
1. INTRODUCTION1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND
In 1991, the government of NWFP created Sarhad Tourism Corporation
(STC) as a public limited company to promote tourism in the province.
This was done in recognition of the enormous potential for economic
development through environmental tourism based on the diverse
landscape, rich culture and pristine ecological resources of the
province. Basically, whatever tourism development had taken place in
Pakistan, was mostly through ad-hoc planning of the Tourism
Corporations financed by the Government of Pakistan. No planned or
integrated efforts were made to systematically and gradually develop
the tourism industry in Pakistan. Neither the environment impact nor
need or demand assessments were carried out before embarking upon
development activities in this sector.
Unfortunately, this unplanned, disorganized and ad-hoc approach
resulted in wasting a lot of natural and financial resources. It has also
destroyed the ecology and environment of the potential areas. The
mushroom like development of infrastructure both by the private and
public sectors without keeping the future in view marred the beauty of
the areas with tourism potential. The resources were concentrated in a
few areas, resulting in over-crowding certain places and totally
ignoring other areas, which were left behind under-developed. The
standard of tourists facilities and man made attractions were far below
the national and international standards, which is limiting tourists
traffic.
Inadequate security measures in these areas further sailed the
environment, No concerted and integrated efforts seem to exist to
1
publicize, promote and expose Pakistan's tourism potential to the
outside world and that is why Pakistan is called "Asia's best kept
secret". Due to the total dependence and heavy burden on the
government's financial resources, the Tourism Corporations of Punjab
and Sind have become parasites and a liability for their governments.
Learning from the experiences of the other Tourism Corporations in
Pakistan and the other sister organizations of Siri Lanka and Maldives
etc. the Sarhad Tourism Corporation (STC) was established by the
government of N.W.F.P with a clear mandate to play its role as a
catalyst and help promote the tourism industry through the private
sector. It is the government of NWFP's strategy to help the STC to
stand on its own feet and become a self sustaining organization. STC
was supposed to receive a one time grant from the government to
begin its activities but would essentially be self-financing.
It was decided by the G.0. NWFP that STC should have a Regional
Master Plan to have a planned and systematic approach towards
developing the tourism industry of Malakand. In that, it was decided
that STC would hire a team of consultants to prepare a 5-10 years
Regional Master Plan for the development of Tourism in Malakand. The
Joint Venture of M/S Gulf Consulting Associates, 34-Abdara Road
University Town, Peshawar and M/S Universal Development
Associates, 3-Asif Plaza Defence Chowk, Lahore Cantt. were awarded
this consultancy assignment in April 1996, and this Report has been
prepared as a final product in this regard.
1.2 LOCATION
Malakand division marks the northern most boundary of Pakistan
2
(Fig.1). It is strategically located in close proximity to Afghanistan,
China and Central Asian States of Tajikistan. Hazara Region makes its
boundary on the eastern sides, whereas the districts of Mardan and
Charsadda are located in the south. Some area of Bajaur Agency and
the international boundary with Afghanistan makes its boundary on
the western side. Malakand division is situated between 34-17' to
36-52' N and 71-15' to 70 E on the world map.
3
Fig.1
1.3 TOPOGRAPHY
Malakand division is an all mountainous area, surrounded on the north
by Hindukush and Karakuram Ranges where high snow covered peaks
of world fame are located. The area
starts gaining the altitude from Malakand Agency which starts from
the foot hills of the Malakand Range. The Swat valley stretches from
here on and reaches at high altitudes at Kalam and further towards
north. Dir is relatively higher than Swat and subsequently Chitral is
the highest valley bounded by the highest altitudes in the whole
division. All three valleys are separated by mountain ranges running
almost parallel in north-south orientation.
The relative average altitudes of the district headquarters above sea
level are as follows:
i. Dir - 1382 Meters
ii. Swat - 1067 Meters
iii. Chitral - 1475 Meters
iv. Malakand - 689 Meters
1.4 CLIMATE
Except Malakand Agency which is located at comparatively lower
altitude, the climate of whole division is temperate during summer
and colder in winter as compared to the rest of the province.
Rainfall is spread over the months of January, February, March and
April during the winter season and over the month of July and August
during the summer. Most of the downpour occurs during January and
March as a result of easterly winds from the Mediterranean sea.
Rainfall various around 100 mm to 150 mm while the temperature
varies between 7 and 30 C. Most part of the division witnesses snow
fall every year, mild at low altitude and heavy at high altitudes. Most
peaks especially on the northern side remain snow clad all the year
round, where glaciers are commonly found.
1.5 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The history of Malakand Agency is intricately woven with history of
Swat, Dir and Chitral. Early in the sixteenth century the Yousafzai
Pathans effected their entrance into Swat by the Malakand and in the
1587 Zain Khan, a general of the emperor Akbar, built a fort here. In
1845 the Pass was taken by the Chitral Relief Force and has since
been occupied as a military post near which is also located the head
quarters of the Political Agency. On July 26, 1897, the post was
suddenly attacked by a large gathering of Swat under a fanatical
leader, the Mulla Mastan. Tribesmen from Utman Khel and Upper Swat
attacked which were later repulsed and the area was relieved on
August 2, 1897. It remained under British control till 1947 when it
became a part of Pakistan. However, its tribal status was recognized
and to date it is a tribal area under the provincial control as (FATA)-
Provincially Administered Tribal Area.
The district presently now and previously before, is partitioned
between two parts by Malakand hill. The northern part is called Swat
Ranizai and the southern part is called Sam Ranizai. Primarily the
population of the area was and still is dependent upon agriculture with
two distinct classes of agriculturists; the owners and tenants, with
periodic uprising from time to time against each other. Without a
mention of Malakand Operation, the history of Malakand is incomplete.
Back in 1895, the British Govt. adopted a forward policy to extend its
occupation to Malakand and beyond, and lured some local influential
to side with them, of course with immediate and long term benefits.
They marched onwards despite resistance from the locals, but were
fully engaged at Malakand Pass. A fierce battle between the British
force and the local Mujahideen took place. The British finally
succeeded in overcoming the resistance. The hill top and surrounding
area was occupied by the British forces. Sir Winston Churchill, who
later became the British Prime Minister was a lieutenant at that time,
travelled in a tonga from Nowshera to Malakand and took part in the
operation. One picket near Chakdara on the adjoining hill top, was
named after him as "Churchill Picket". A few decades back in early
sixties, Queen Elizabeth, on her way to Swat on the invitation of
President Ayub visited this spot and conveyed her message to
Churchill, who was alive then.
The first historical mention of Swat is made by Arians, who record that
in 326 B.C. Alexander the Great led his army through Kunar, Bajaur,
Swat and Buner; but his successor, Seleucus, twenty years later
handed over territories to Chandragupta. The inhabitants were in
those days of Indian origin. Buddhism being the prevailing religion,
they remained thus almost undisturbed under their own kings until the
fifteenth century. They were the ancestors of the non-Pathan tribes.
The invasions of the Yousafzai and other Pathan tribes, aided by the
Utman Khel, then began; and by the sixteenth century, the Yousufzai
were in possession of Buner and Lower Swat. The advent of these
Pathan invaders introduced Islam throughout Swat.
At this time the Emperor Babar, by a diplomatic marriage with the
daughter of Malik Shah Mansoor, the head of the Yousafzai clan, and
by force of arms, established his sovereignty throughout these areas.
However, Upper Swat was still held by the aboriginal Swatis under
Sultan Uais or Wais, who also tendered a voluntary submission,.
claiming protection from the invaders which Babar gave. In
Humayun's reign, however, the advance was continued, and the
Yousafzai overran Upper Swat. Humayun's yoke was rejected by them
and even Akbar in 1584 could exert no more than a nominal
submission. By 1658, however, in which year Aurangzeb ascended to
the throne, the tribes refused to pay revenue, declared their
independence, and maintained it till the time of Nadir Shah, whose
successors, Ahmad Shah Durrani and Timur Shah, kept their hold on
the area. The grasp was not lost by those who came after, and when
Azim Khan attacked Sikhs in 1823, the Yousafzai sent a large
contingent with their army. They were defeated and Ranjit Singh
entered Peshawar, but did not move toward north. Syed Ahmad Shah
Brailvi stood against the Sikhs but was martyred near Balakot in 1831.
On the establishment of British rule in the Peshawar valley in 1849, no
attempt was made to penetrate into these hills.
The primacy then passed to Abdul Ghafoor, the famous Akhun, who
established himself in 1835 at Saidu in Upper Swat, where he lived
until his death in 1877. He was the most powerful man of his time. His
shrine is located at Saidu which is now called Saidu Sharif. His son
Abdul Wadud and grandson Miangul Jehanzeb were later called
Bacha Saheb and Wali of Swat respectively. The state was merged
into Pakistan in 1968.
Dir takes its name from the village Dir, situated at the extreme north
which was the capital of the ruler, called Nawab, till 1960. Dir is
situated on the bank of Dir tributary of Panjkora river. Presently the
district has been bifurcated into Lower Dir and Upper Dir Districts with
headquarter of Lower Dir is located at Timargara which occupies a
central position in the district and Dir Town as the headquarter of
Upper Dir, administratively. The problems of sovereignty over Dir has
witnessed many a campaign between local Khan and Chieftains,
prominent amongst them being the Khan of Jundool, Umara Khan,
Mohammad Sharif Khan, Miangul of Swat (the son of Abdul Ghafoor
Akhun). Chakdara, its extreme south village has seen many events
from the days of Alexander the Great, Babar, the Mughal King and his
descendants and finally the British in 1895 and 1897. It is to recall that
the local Mujahideen voluntarily fought the British forces in 1895 when
they tried to find their way to Chitral via Malakand-Chakdara. The
"Ghazis" were defeated and a fort at Chakdara and a picket by the
mane of Churchill Picket on the two hills were constructed.
Dir as mentioned earlier was ruled by the Nawab, and his successors
for over eighty years till 1960 when the control was taken over by the
Pakistan Government after a brief and bloodless plan. Dir has the
unique historical background of the visit by three prominent and
powerful personalities. First of them was Alexander the Great who
entered Dir from Bajaur side. At Talash in Dir he was stopped by the
forces of a local monarch who happened to be a woman. A brief
skirmish ensued and Alexandra sustained an injury on his leg by an
arrow. Later on, a compromise was struck which resulted in the
marriage of Alexander with the woman monarch. Secondly, Mahmood
Ghaznavi also conquered the area by defeating the east while Hindu
Shahi near Chakdara. The huge graveyard near Batkhela (Malakand
Agency) is the resting place of many a Ghaznavi martyrs. In and
around Chakdara are also found many coins of Mahmood of Ghaznavi,
bearing evident to the Ghaznavi rule in the area. Thirdly, the Mughal
King Babar also crossed over to Dir via Bajaur and then to Swat
through an intervening hill between Dir and Swat near village Ouch.
The exact site where he crossed over the hill is called as Babar's
Ghakhai (Ghakhai means a cut).
Lately, Umara Khan, a local Khan of Jandool (Dir) who rose high,
fought with the British at Chitral. Because of his limited resources he
could not stand the forces of the British and crossed over to
Afghanistan. For his strategic moves and tactics in the war against
British and local encounters he was sometimes called Napoleon of
France. He was suffering from extreme lack of resources. All he
depended upon and till very late thereafter, was the locally
manufactured arms from a native area in Barawal, near Dir.
The people of Chitral are predominantly emigrants from Afghanistan
which is their close neighbor. Part of the population are those who
came with Alexander the Great and settled here when he left the area.
These remnants of those days have maintained their culture and
identity till this day. The valleys where they live are known by the
name of Kafiristan, the name which is now the main attraction for the
tourists. Not only their beauty and attire but also their customs are
attractive. By passage of time their number has decreased
considerably as they are converting to Islam. There is a strong feeling
for trying to maintain their identity and to have the least interference
in their affairs. The name Kafiristan, as it was introduced in last forties
has attracted tourists not only from far and wide within the country
but also from all around the world.
Till late fifties the district, previously known as a princely state of
Chitral was ruled by "Mehtars". These Mehtars were emigrants from
Afghanistan. The word `Mehtar' means superior, and the way they
ruled and behaved was superior too. One of the main reasons of the
backwardness and poverty of the area, besides difficult accessibility
was the tight grip over the residents by these superior rulers.
1.6 AREA AND POPULATION
Malakand division is the largest in Pakistan in terms of area., The
population of the division was 2.467 million in 1981, which has been
estimated to be 3.725 million in 1991, at the growth rate of 3 % per
annum. The 1996 population on the same growth rate has been
estimated to be about 4.52 million. Table: 1 shows the population and
area by districts of the division.
TABLE: 1 Population and Area by Districts
S.NO.
NAME OF DISTT
AREA IN SQ.KM
POPULATION IN 1981
POPULATION IN 1991
(ESTIMATED)
POPULATION IN 1994 (ESTIMATE
D)
POPULATION IN 1996
(ESTIMATED)
1. DIR 5,282 7,67,409 12,10,000 1412000 -
2. SWAT
(with Shangla)
6,945 9,67,484 14,35,000 1641000 -
3. BUNER 1,843 2,65,517 4,05,000 467000 -
4. CHITRAL 14,850 2,08,560 2,91,000 325000 -
5. MALAKAND 952 2,57,797 3,84,000 415000 -
TOTAL 42,60,000 45,20,000
1.7. ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP
Malakand division has been divided into the following administrative
units, which are also shown in Fig-2:
1. Malakand Agency
2. District Buner
3. District Swat
4. District Shangla
5. District Lower Dir
6. District Upper Dir
7. District Chitral
Districts of Buner and Shangla had been historically a part of district
Swat and are relatively recently established administrative units.
However, the Malakand Division can be divided into distinct entities in
a different fashion based on its physical, geographical and
topographical features as follows:
1. Malakand Agency
2. Swat
3. Dir
4. Chitral
Fig. 2
2. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES2. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
2.1 GOALS
The goals of the Regional Master Plan are:-
a. Promote and develop the tourism industry of Malakand Division
by involving both the private and public sectors.
b. Fully protect and preserve the culture, traditions, history,
heritage, environment and wild life of the target areas.
c. Develop the socio-economic conditions of the people and areas
having tourism potential.
d. Gradually and systematically identify and develop all the
existing potential areas for attracting tourists both from in and
outside the country.
e. Introduce, promote, develop and publicize the tourism potential
of Malakand Division in and outside the country and
f. Make the STC a self financing agency.
2.2 OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Regional Master Plan are to:-
i. Systematically and through short, medium and long term
strategy/plan/approach, gradually develop the potential areas of
Malakand Division for generating income
by attracting the foreign as well as the local tourists to the
potential areas.
ii. Set the future direction of the Sarhad Tourism
Corporation/Government of NWFP/Ministry of Tourism for the
promotion and development of tourism in Malakand Division.
iii. Involve private enterprises in setting up profitable and
innovative recreational tourist facilities/attractions in Malakand
Division either individually or jointly with the government of
N.W.F.P.
iv. Explore and identify various ways and means for generating
revenue for making the STC a self-financing organization.
v. Provide the basic infrastructure and recreational activities
required for the development of potential tourism areas to
facilitate tourist travel, lodging, food and recreation etc. in
collaboration with the private sector.
vi. Develop the human resources of various institutions, both
private and public, directly linked with the tourism industry, for
providing services to the tourists.
vii. Address the problems of unemployment, migration from rural to
urban areas, income generation for the poor masses, and raising
the standard of living of the potential areas.
viii Identify the weaknesses in STC and their resolution to
strengthen the STC to fully implement the regional master plan
and play its role as a catalyst.
ix. Identify various areas having tourism potential and work out the
appropriateness and feasibility of various activities for
developing attractions in these areas.
x. Promote and market the Malakand tourism industry in and
outside the country.
xi. Regulate, control and protect the environment of the crowded
areas already thronged by the tourists/visitors and prevent the
recurrence of this mishap in the potential tourist areas.
xii. Privatize the tourism industry and install a sense of ownership of
the tourism industry in the private investors.
xiii Establish a network amongst the private sector, Federal
Government, Provincial Government and other sister tourism
institutions both in and outside the country for the improvement
and promotion of the tourism in Malakand Region.
3. AN OVERVIEW OF EXISTING CONDITIONS3. AN OVERVIEW OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
3.1 EXISTING TOURISM ACTIVITY
3.1.1Tourism Potential
Pakistan enjoys a unique position due to its strategic location on the
world map and its topographical and geographical features, especially
the areas in the north. The area is known by virtue of its lofty
mountains covered with snow, ever green pine, oaks and shrubs.
Karakuram (K-2) the second highest peak in the world has graced this
land by its location in the northern most part of the country.
Picturesque mountain slopes with snow melt rivers flowing in the
gorges present fascinating scenes which are attractive to locals and
foreigner alike. Nature has gifted this country with vast scope of
developing the beautiful hills and panoramic views.
Malakand division constitutes a significant part of the beautiful
country located north of Pakistan. It consists of the valleys of Swat, Dir
and Chitral, all unique in the potential scenic beauty as attraction for
tourists. To the outside world these valleys truly represent Pakistan for
tourism activity. Besides the natural beauty, these areas have rich
historical background. If backwardness is taken as blessing in disguise,
few of the locations here have seen little impact of modern life,
therefore they are culturally preserved in original form.
The flow of visitors started towards Malakand division in early fifties
when the first book on Kafiristan was published. The attractive
narration of the different customs of the local inhabitants, together
with beautiful description of the valleys opened a new era for this
otherwise forgotten land. Whosoever went to the valleys of Kafiristan
in Chitral was enchanted by the rhythmic music of turbulent streams,
chirping birds on the trees and beautiful Kalash women.
3.1.2Tourism Seasons
Most areas in Malakand Division are located at high altitudes which
witness extremely cold winters. Besides, due to the land sliding and
excessive snow fall, the access to these areas especially Chitral
becomes extremely difficult and sometimes impossible. Therefore, the
most suitable period for tourists to visit these areas is during summer.
This is the time when other parts of the country witness scorching
heat and people flock to the hilly areas. Although the tourists visit
these areas around the year even during winter but they are very few
in number and their visits are limited to relatively low-lying areas. The
main-stream of the tourists starts coming sometimes during May and
continue till October. Therefore normally the tourists season is
considered to be from mid May to mid October, every year.
3.1.3Composition of Tourists
In the early days of Pakistan a tourist was necessarily taken as a
foreigner, as both words (tourist and foreigner) were synonymous to
each other. As the time passed and socio-economic conditions in
Pakistan improved, a significant number of local population started
taking part in tourism activity. With exposure to the outside world,
increased number of educated families with increase in affordability
and the revolution brought by the mass media, people of Pakistan
realized need for recreation to enjoy vacationing. Gradually a class of
local and domestic tourists developed which has now increased to a
significant size.
The tourists now are divided into three categories:
(a) Local tourists.
(b) Domestic tourists.
(c) Foreign tourists.
Local tourists belong to the same area and make short time visits
mostly on daily basis. They are generally week-end holiday makers.
Domestic tourists are presently perhaps the largest proportion of
tourists. These are the people who visit the tourists places during the
annual vacation (summer and winter) periods and belong to Peshawar,
Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and the remaining parts of the country.
Foreign tourists mainly come from Europe, America, Australia and
Japan. The only country in Asia which has significant share in Pakistan
Tourism is Japan. Foreign tourists are a significant proportion of the
total tourists in Pakistan. According to the Additional Secretary,
Tourism, Mr. Hassan Raza Pasha, Since 1983, tourists arrival in
Pakistan ranged between 3,65,000 and 4,54,000. He noted that the
tourists arrival in Pakistan as much lower than in most other countries
in the region. According to a recent World Travel and Tourism Council
Survey in 1995, there are 212 million tourism related jobs in the world
which are contributing $ 3.4 trillion or 10.9 % of the global GDP.
According to a forecast, till the year 2010 East Asia and Pacific regions
will grow by 7% on the average in the tourists arrival which is almost
double the world average.
3.1.4Tourism Related Services
There are two significant aspects regarding the services to be
provided to tourists at any place. One is comfort and the other is
adventure. Tourists prefer to make their period of stay as comfortable
as possible. However, there are certain instances when any difficulty
during the journey or stay needs little hardship which is taken as
adventure. But under normal circumstances, there are basic human
needs which certainly require to be provided. Following is an overview
of the basic services which are presently existing for the tourists.
a. Transportation
The country has at present a vast and extensive network of air, rail
and road linkages. However, appropriate modes of suitable transport
within the division exist in the private sector alone as no specific
arrangements for tourists is made by the public sector. Private busses,
wagons and small vehicles ply everywhere in the division, which are
mostly not very comfortable seating capacity wise nor to the level of
service. To approach the attractive but difficult terrains in the far
flung areas jeeps are available to hire, but the system lacks an
organized network. The rates of these jeeps are determined at will by
the operators and are quite exorbitant during the peak tourists
season. There is no uniformity in rates nor there is any organized
check system on the fares.
b. Hotels
Hotel business is mainly owned by the private sector, except at
locations where PTDC owns motels, one at Kalam and the other at
Chitral. There is only one four star hotel located at Mingora; all others
are either two star or one star hotels. It is extremely difficult to assess
the total number of hotels in the division or their total bed capacity,
the reason being that none of them has been registered with the
Ministry of Tourism which exercises control on them. However, the
major concentration of hotels are in Mingora, Madyan, Bahrain and
Kalam in Swat. A number of hotels are also located in Dir and Chitral,
in the private sector.
The performance of these hotels has been poor both in terms of
standards and level of service. Due to the lack of any control on this
business, they operate under the free market system. Room rents are
fixed by the management which changes according to the demand. It
was revealed during an interview with some of the tourists in Madyan
and Kalam that the rent for a single room of Rs. 300.00 per night
during the off-season rises upto Rs. 3,000.00 per night during the peak
season.
c. Restaurants
Similar to the case of hotels, the restaurants also have shown a poor
performance. Firstly, there is a shortage of standard restaurants
throughout the division. Secondly, the level of service is poor as most
of them do not follow the basic principles of health and hygiene.
Thirdly, due to the lack of any control measures, the meals service
charges are quite exorbitant, especially during the peak tourists
season.
d. Basic Urban Facilities
Basic urban facilities including shopping areas, post and telegraph
offices, telephone offices, banks etc. are sporadically located in the
division. While the shopping areas and postal services are adequately
available, telecommunication network has been recently improved but
not to the level of satisfaction. Those provided by the hotels are often
too expensive due to the additional service charges and sales tax.
Public telephone facility is limited to a few locations only and that also
is limited to the office working hours. Night shift at any telephone
exchange is not operative.
e. Safety
Safety to the visitors is the first and foremost requirement for any
tourism industry to develop and flourish. While the law and order
situation in the valleys has been always under control, there had been
some incidents of theft, looting, decoities, kidnapping and even killing
in the fast past. An extensive network of police surveillance has now
been established even to the remote areas, as a result such incidents
are very rarely happening now. The most recent incident reported in
the press was the looting of four wagons at Lowari Top during the
broad day light on June 22, 1996. In general, the police remains on
high alert during the tourist season and safety of the visitors is
adequately guaranteed.
f. Tourists Information Centers
There are not many tourists information centers in the division. Only
PTDC provides this facility at few locations only, which is extremely
deficient in terms of the level of service. Their number is very small
and they provide little information, and are not operating around the
clock whereas the tourists have no specific time to arrive at a certain
place. These centers are open only during the working hours on the
working days. Tourists have been observed to be stuck up during the
weekly holidays and late in the evenings, due to the lack of
information regarding the road conditions to proceed further in their
journey.
g. Tour Operators and Guides
An extensive network of tour operators working as travel agents exists
in the area to provide an adequate level of service to the tourists
during all seasons. Besides, tour guides area also available on specific
locations to be hired for specific journeys. However, due to the lack of
an organized institutional arrangement for control of their activities,
their performance has not been excellent.
3.1.5An Overview of Tourism in Pakistan
In spite of the presence of all that, a tourist looks forward to enjoying
lofty mountains, verdant valleys, unrivalled sprawling sky line,
archaeological sites, inviting mountain slopes, rich cultural diversity,
exquisite curiosities and above all, a highly hospitable people.
Pakistan has not made significant progress in tourism industry. This is
a discouraging situation when compared with countries with much less
to offer to tourists while reaping a rich harvest of travellers and
tourists by way of collecting millions in foreign exchange.
Pakistan still remains absent from the world tourist map because
tourism has been treated by the successive governments casually and
not as an industry with great potential as a foreign exchange earner.
Tourism is already the world's fastest growing industry after oil. Its
annual turn - over is about $ 3.0 trillion. It is expected to surpass
every other industry by the end of the first quarter of the 21st
century, if a systematic progressive policy is adopted to development
in the coming few years from now.
Over two and half decades back Pakistan seemed destined to become
the hottest tourists spot in South and South East Asia. That was in the
early 1970's. A french firm had been commissioned to carry out a
study to suggest short and long-term plans for the promotion of
Tourism. The firm, Sena Metra, in its voluminous report prepared a 20
year perspective plan which included development of new tourists
sites, upgrading of existing infrastructure facilities, promotion and
publicity on incremental basis to market the tourist products thus
developed. This plan was never taken seriously and since then has
been shelved.
The sector in spite of having received the status of an industry has
remained neglected due mainly to the bureaucratic bottlenecks and
various related reasons.
3.1.6Recent Efforts
In response to growing demands and awareness of the potential in this
sector major steps are being under taken to develop tourism in
Pakistan. Well thought over arrangement are being made in this
regard. Following recent activities undertaken by various
organizations are indicative of a national policy change and attitude.
i. The year 1996 marks the advent of professionally organized
tourist inflow from Italy to Pakistan. This has come in wake of a
recent agreement between one of the largest tour operators of
Italy, Vegetal Buonconsiglio and Pakistan Tours Ltd, (PTL) of
PTDC which is government's organization for promotion of
tourism in Pakistan. Two large groups of tourist have already
visited Pakistan and more are expected. Tourists inflow from
Italy which till now averaged around 3000 per year are expected
to double by next year. The country is likely to earn over US $ 5
million from the new Italian market of tourism. Similar
agreements are planned to be signed with 5 more companies of
Europe.
ii. A 2-day unique exhibition, the EXPO's TRAVEL - 96 was held in
Karachi, providing an opportunity to people to plan their
holidays in accordance with their disposable expenditure.
iii. The recently introduced STC Copter Safari provides an excellent
opportunity to visit Naran, Saiful Muluk, Kalam, Mahudand, and
the valley of Kalash. The one day trip from Peshawar includes
round trip, sight seeing, lunch and refreshments.
iv. Jashn-e-Swat is an annual event, which has been recently
organized at official level and is held with fervor.
v. TDCP has very recently established Institute of Tourism and
Hotel Management (ITHM) in Lahore to bring trained work force
into tourism industry.
vi. A 2-day workshop was held in Lahore on "Tourism in Pakistan -
Opportunities and Challenges" during May 1996.
vii. According to the Federal Additional Secretary for Tourism, Mr.
Hassan Raza Pasha, the plans to establish a National Tourism
Council are already being made, which will be hopefully
established very soon.
viii. Pakistan Tourism Human Resource Development Committee is
carrying out a programme for introducing new standards in eight
disciplines of hospitality sector to cater to the needs of foreign
tourists in Pakistan. The project is financed by the European
Commission for an integrated human resource development
programme for seven SAARC countries at a cost of 10 million US
dollars and coordinated by the South Asian Tourism Secretariat
(SATS) will train 48,000 workers of hospitality sector by the year
2000. Consequently, it was decided to hold 28 workshops to
train 600 persons in Pakistan alone.
3.2 INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES
The availability of various infrastructure facilities at selected locations
in Malakand Division are shown in Fig.3-A, and have been described
here. All the major settlements of the Malakand Agency are located
along the major road connecting the Malakand Division with Peshawar.
The small villages located within the valleys are also connected to
this regional road network through metalled roads or Jeepable tracks.
The Malakand Agency provides links to rest of the Division from
Dargai, being the last railway station from Nowshera and Mardan.
However, no air-link is provided to it from any other place. All major
settlements in Malakand Agency have electricity and telephone
facilities. Supply of water is also provided adequately to these
settlements. However, the sewerage facility is completely lacking in
the area and so are the appropriate measures for solid waste
collection and disposal. Sui gas supply has reached Dargai, and it is
planned to be extended to the Agency and beyond.
Swat is well connected to other parts of the Province through a good
quality road which runs north-south, linking all the major settlements
in the area. Within Swat this road starts from Malakand and leads all
the way upto Kalam in the north, from where two roads; one to
Mahudand and another to Athror provide reasonable links in the area.
The road providing accessibility to the Buner district and the Shangla
district, however are not of excellent quality as they need continuous
maintenance and improvement works. In addition to the main regional
road network, smaller access roads linking the smaller valleys are also
not of good quality. Rail link is provided upto Dargai only which is
located across Malakand Pass. However, regular commercial flights
are operated providing air link of Swat with the rest of the country.
The Saidu Sharif Airport is
Fig.3-A
located near Mingora across the River Swat. The Municipal water
supply system exists in Mingora and a limited number of villages only.
Most of other settlements either use spring water or river water for
drinking purpose. Water is normally available except at a few places
located at high altitudes where spring water and flowing streams are
away from the vicinity. Sewerage system is also limited to Mingora
city only. However, open drains exist in other human settlements.
Being a hilly terrain rain water drainage is not a problem. Haphazard
constructions however have posed problem of obstructing the flood
water run off during the past, with partial damages to the built up
properties. Municipal solid waste collection and disposal exists in
Mingora city only and that also is not without deficiencies in operation
and coverage. All other settlements have virtually no system as such,
creating serious environmental pollution problems, which need to be
taken care of. Mingora is connected with rest of the world through the
Nationwide Direct Dialling Telephone network. Telephone facility is
provided to almost all the settlements located along the main road.
Electricity in also provided to most of the areas in Swat. However, gas
facility has not yet reached in this part of the country though a
programme is on the anvil.
The situation in Dir is different than any other area of the division. Till
1960, there was no concept of any facility whatsoever as the Nawab
being the despotic ruler of the state, did not allow even a primary
school though he had a hospital for his dogs and falcons. He had
"Hakims" for his private treatment also. After attaining a district
status, a network of roads has now been constructed. The main
Chakdara-Dir road is black topped and so are quite a few more. Water
supply schemes have been established in major villages of the district.
Sewerage arrangements are being introduced now while there is no
concept of solid waste disposal, anywhere in the district.
Accessibility to certain places is perhaps the most basic requirement
and Chitral has been quite unfortunate in this regard as the only road
link to the rest of the country passes through Lowari top which
remains closed for almost 6 months of winter during the year. This
Top, located at more then 13,000 feet above sea level comes under
heavy snow fall during the winter and after the snow melts, the land
sliding activity takes place, bringing considerable damage to the road.
A proposal to build a tunnel under the pass has been a sweet dream
of the people of Chitral which has also been a broken promise of the
successive governments since past many decades. It is also a much
used and still effective political slogan. Even now, the last Prime
Minister of Pakistan, Mrs. Benazeer Bhutto has announced an amount
of Rs 200.0 millions in the 8th Five Year Plan for this purpose.
However, there are little hopes for this dream to come true. As an
alternate the people of Chitral are forced to use the road through
Arandu into Kunar Province of Afghanistan and then again into either
Mohmand Agency or Khyber Agency of the tribal areas. This route has
proved extremely unsafe and risky and is certainly not suitable to the
foreign and domestic tourists. Although Chitral has an airlink with
Peshawar and a daily flight operates, but it is always subject to the
weather conditions and rarely operates regularly. However, when the
Lowari Top opens during the summer both foreign as well as domestic
tourists flock to the area, which is otherwise well connected to its
various parts. No adequate access roads are otherwise provided to
the numerous small valleys of the area. Water is abundantly available
in Chitral valley. The major towns have tapped water supply, whereas
other settlements use either spring water or the river water. Planned
and well designed sewerage system does not exist anywhere in the
district. Electricity is available to only the major towns and that also
from the local generators of limited capacity. However, there are plans
to electrify the settlements in the near future. The district has by now
been connected with the national grid but extension of power lines are
yet to be done, depending on availability of financial resources.
3.3 EXISTING CIVIC AMENITIES
Fig. 3-B and Fig. 3-C give a brief description of the availability of civic
amenities and tourist facilities at selected locations in the Malakand
Division.
The settlements along the main road in Malakand Agency are
adequately served by the civic amenities including banks, post offices,
police stations, and shopping areas. The
Fig.3-B
Fig.3-C
Agency headquarters hospital located at Batkhela near the Malakand
Top is well equipped to provide basic as well as specialized health
facilities both to the locals and the transit visitors. Two other hospitals
at Dargai and Thana are also serving the respective area. Hotels are
almost non-existent in the area as the visitors including the tourists
are mostly transit passengers. A number of government rest houses
are located along the main road but these do not provide
accommodation to the visitors unless by special arrangements. A
PTDC road side facility near Batkhela has been provided recently.
There are large number of local restaurants located in the towns along
the main road but few are upto the standard. No tourist information
centre is located in the Agency area, however, information is provided
in an informal manner by the locals, if required. A detailed survey was
carried out by the Consultants team in order to ascertain the
availability and condition of the existing infrastructure facilities and
civic amenities in each of the potential sites, to become a basis for the
future plans and proposals. The copy of the proforma is attached at
the end of this Report as Annexure-I.
Being the capital of Malakand Division, most of the civic amenities are
concentrated at Mingora, Saidu Sharif. The branch facilities are
provided to most of the human settlements in the area. They include
banks, post offices, police stations, hospitals, dispensaries and
shopping Centers. Mingora is also the centre of the tourist activities
as most of the tourists leading towards north make a stop over at
Mingora. There are a number of hotels with varying bed capacity and
quality of service. However, there is only one five star hotel which is
located at Mingora. Hotels are scattered all over the Upper Swat at
various locations with varying quality and bed capacities. Restaurants
are also located in almost all the settlements along the road, but good
quality restaurants are few. Rest Houses belonging to various
government departments/agencies are also located at a few locations
in Swat, but are not available for the tourists. Police posts have been
established at important villages with sub-posts around for the
purpose of maintaining law and order. Postal services are also
available, whereas hospitals/Rural Health Centers have also been
established.
District Headquarter Hospital at Timargara is mostly fulfilling the
needs of the patients. NWD facilities have been extended to all the
important settlements. Shopping facilities exist at a number of places,
the main business Centers are Batkhela in Malakand Agency, while the
second one is at Timargara, the district headquarter of Lower Dir.
Good quality restaurants are not available anywhere. From tourism
point of view there is no facility whatsoever throughout along the
main Chakdara to Dir road nor anywhere in the beautiful lateral
valleys. At Panakot near Dir a PTDC motel is nearing completion.
The major urban settlements of Chitral are linked by the telephone
network, which however, needs to be further extended. Other urban
facilities including health centers, post & telegraph offices, police and
scout offices, banks and shopping areas are all located in the major
settlements of the area. There are few quality hotels in the district,
which are mainly concentrated in Chitral city. Most other towns do not
have decent arrangements for overnight stays. Local restaurants
catering for the needs of the locals and visitors alike are available at
most of the settlements, but their quality and level of services is
generally poor. However, some good quality restaurants are located
in Chitral town only. Other amenities like tourist information centers,
tour agents/operators and guides are also available at limited
locations.
4. DATA COLLECTION & ANALYSIS4. DATA COLLECTION & ANALYSIS
Preparation of Master Plan for the development and promotion of
tourism at Regional level is perhaps the first exercise of its kind ever
undertaken in Pakistan. Therefore no baseline data was available for
various aspects involved in tourism.
A large scale country vide and multiple questionnaire survey for this
purpose was neither possible to be carried out within the time allowed
nor was it within the scope of this Master Plan. However, necessary
opinion surveys have been conducted in order to provide adequate
background information and gain better insights into the problems
faced by the tourists and other related aspects. These surveys are
simply meant to reflect various opinions and have been carried out
with small sample size which can not be statistically analyzed on any
level of confidence. The results however reflect the existing conditions
in an appropriate manner to serve the purpose of this Master Plan.
Adequate data pertaining to various aspects has been collected both
from primary as well secondary sources, in order to gain in depth
insights to arrive at useful conclusions. Primary source data collection
involved number of site visits and questionnaire surveys. The details
of data collection and its analysis are as follows.
4.1 SURVEY FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL
TOURISM SITES
The whole Division was visited and studied by the team of consultants
in order to identify the potential sites to be selected for tourism
attractions. They included sites of historical and cultural significance,
scenic and natural beauty and other places of interest. As a result, a
long list of potential sites was prepared and is included in chapter 6 of
this Master Plan.
4.2 SURVEY OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES
The data regarding the existing infrastructure facilities including
roads, water supply, sewerage, solid waste disposal, electricity and
telephone were collected from various government departments and
agencies. The data included the availability of service, level of service,
and condition of service in order to estimate deficiency in each facility
in terms of its provision at various specific locations with regard to the
potential tourism sites selected for the Master Plan. The departments
visited for this purpose included the C&W department, Public Health
Engineering Department and Local Municipal offices. Information was
also collected regarding the projects presently under execution and
those already approved for execution . The results of this survey have
already been given in chapter 3 of this master plan.
4.3 SURVEY OF EXISTING CIVIC AMENITIES
The data regarding the existing civic amenities including Police, Post,
Health, Banks etc. was collected from the Divisional Police
Headquarters, General Post Office, Peshawar, Directorate of Health
and Zonal Head Offices of various commercial banks respectively. The
data was than separated which was related to the specific selected
potential tourism sites. The data included the availability of service,
level of service and service area covered, in order to identify the
deficiencies. The analysis of this survey is also already given in
chapter 3 of this Master Plan.
4.4 SURVEYS OF THE FOREIGN TOURISTS
Foreign tourists were divided into two categories.
i) Foreign tourists
ii) Foreigners working in N.W.F.P
(A) Foreign Tourists
A total of 12 foreign tourists were randomly approached and
interviewed for this purpose. The results of the interviews are as
follows.
Out of the total 8 were male and 4 were female. Except one
Australian all other belonged to Europe with as much as 8 from U.K
alone. They belonged to a variety of professions including engineers,
students, farmer, factory workers and even a priest. The countries last
visited before Pakistan were India, Iran , China, Egypt and Malaysia,
out of which India, China and Iran are neighbors of Pakistan.
The foreign tourists expressed a multitude of purposes behind their
visit to Pakistan. They mostly came for tracking , mountain climbing,
sight seeing and to visit the historic and cultural places. A few of then
(2 out of 12) came for sex and drugs. This clearly reflects that the
tourists interested in sex and drugs are actually very small in number,
leading to the fact that good tourism is quite possible without sex and
drugs.
Peshawar, Swat, Chitral and Northern Areas were the places of
attraction for these tourists. Other places in Pakistan included
Mohenjodaro, Quetta and Bahawalpur.
Books and friends were among the most common means to come to
know about tourist places in Pakistan.
Half of the tourists entered into Pakistan by air while the others came
by road. After entering into Pakistan bus and coach were the most
common modes of transport used by the foreign tourists.
It is interesting to note that most of the foreign tourists were travelling
single and not in groups. The expenditure mostly ranged from Rs.
20,000/- to Rs. 40,000/- per person.
Foreign tourists have expressed the following problems faced by them
during their stay in Pakistan.
Problems.
i. Lack of information and sometimes wrong information.
ii. Harassment by local males to female tourists .
iii. Cheating in terms of many matters.
iv. Child beggars.
v. Lack of permission to visit Khyber Pass and Tribal Areas.
vi. Non-availability of transport at night.
vii. Difference in price charged to a foreigner or a local.
viii. Lack of credit card /currency exchange facility.
ix. Too many police check posts and movement restrictions.
x. Short duration of visas for Pakistan.
xi. Poor quality food and other goods.
xii. Lack of good quality , average period hotels.
Following are some of the suggestions came from the foreign tourists.
Suggestions.
i. Provide better and efficient garbage collection and
disposal system for generally clean environment.
ii. Police checking should be made at few places only to
make movement easier.
iii. Accessibility to more areas should be made easily
possible.
iv. Regulate the pricing system for hotels, restaurant and
transport.
v. Appropriate tourism literature should be made available
for better information.
It was revealed by the survey that normally the duration of the tourist
stay ranged from one week to one month. A copy of the survey
proforma is attached at the end of this report as Annex-II.
(B). Survey of Foreigners Working in NWFP.
A large number of foreigners working mostly with the international aid
agencies are living in NWFP, mostly in Peshawar. A total of 10 such
foreigners were interviewed in connection of tourism in NWFP. A copy
of the proforma is attached with this report as Annex-III. The analysis
of these interviews is as follows.
Out of the 10, only one was a female and all others were male. Except
one Afghan and one American all others were from different countries
of Europe. They had been in Pakistan for a period ranging from 1 year
to 4 years. Most of them were doing administrative jobs of managerial
level.
It is revealed from the survey that these foreigners quite frequently
visit the tourism places and often the same place more than once. The
most frequently visited places include Murree in Punjab, Swat, Chitral,
Kaghan and Guliyat Area in NWFP. Books, literature and friends have
again emerged as the most common means of information about
these places.
Following are some of the problems faced by these tourists.
Problems.
i) Lack of adequate and authentic information about specific
sites, even from the Tourist Information Centers of PTDC.
ii) Frequently cancellation of flights, especially to Gilgit and
Chitral.
iii) Lack of appropriate and adequate facilities.
Some of the suggestion made by these tourists to improve tourism
activity are as follows.
Suggestions.
i) Provide adequate information about the tourism locations.
ii) Improve the advertising and promotion of tourism.
iii) Improve physical conditions on tourist locations.
iv) Introduce more tourist locations and attractions.
v) Improve the general hotel conditions.
vi) Improve the means of communication.
vii) Improve hotel, restaurant and car rental services.
4.5 SURVEYS WITH THE LOCAL/DOMESTIC TOURISTS
A total of 20 questionnaires were completed at various locations in
the Region. A copy of the proforma is attached with this report as
Annex-IV. The analysis of the survey results is as follows:
Level of education is essentially a strong determinant of a persons's
awareness and attitude towards recreation. Therefore persons with
varied type of education level were interviewed. Out of the total 15 %
had no formal education, whereas 25 % of the total were metric and
as much as 30 % had intermediate level of education. Another 30 %
were graduates. Responding to the question, everybody agreed that
recreation was essential for life and a necessity for good health. A
significant majority of the respondents revealed that they go
frequently for recreation and as much as 95 % of the total
respondents confirmed it. It was revealed that most of the people (65
%) go for recreation on monthly basis. Another 10 % show an annual
opportunity for this purpose. Social, Cultural and tribal values are very
strong in NWFP. Most areas still reflect traditional attitudes in activities
of daily life including recreation of female family members. However,
these values are changing fast, but to some extent they are still intact
as shown by the survey results. The survey has shown that only 85 %
of the total respondents take their family out for recreation and the
remaining 15 % do not follow this practice. There are three common
reasons discovered for not taking the family out for recreation, which
are as follows:
i. Personal disliking
ii. Lack of security in public places
iii. Religious reasons
People go to various places for recreation. As much as 42 % of the
total go to the Malakand Region which includes the valleys of Swat,
Dir and Chitral. Swat being located closest is perhaps the most
popular destination. Places located in Punjab are the second most
popular destinations and they include Murree, Islamabad and Lahore,
as about 30 % of the total respondents go there during vacations.
Hazara Region is another popular destination as about 15 % go to
Abbottabad and Kaghan for this purpose. About 8 % remains in
Peshawar and visit the local recreation places including Hayatabad.
As much as 95 % of the total respondents expressed that such activity
will be good for the local economy, as it will generate income for the
local population.
4.6 SURVEY FOR THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
A total of 20 locals belonging the nearby areas where most of the
tourism activities take place were interviewed. A copy of the proforma
for this purpose is attached with this report as Annex-V. The results of
this survey are discussed in details in chapter 13 of this report being
the appropriate and relevant place.
5. OVERALL STRATEGY FOR THE MASTER PLAN5. OVERALL STRATEGY FOR THE MASTER PLAN
5.1 IMMEDIATE ACTION PROGRAMME. (IAP)
The overall strategy of the Master Plan is based on two pronged
approach; an immediate action programme for the initial period of 2
years, and a long term programme spanning over a period of 10
years. The long term programme period will include the immediate
action programme, and will be integrated accordingly.
The Immediate Action Programme (IAP) will essentially prepare and
provide a base, an environment and a set up for the implementation
of the long term programme . In order to achieve this objective and to
ensure smooth implementation of the Master Plan, the actions
proposed at this stage will not be based on large scale financing. This
stage will involve the preparation of various policies and regulatory
measures and their implementation in order to improve the existing
conditions in tourism sector without proposing the large scale new
facilities and infrastructure The major activities proposed to be
carried out during this period are as follows:
i. design, adopt and enforce the regulatory measures for the
provision of various tourism facilities.
ii. carry out marketing and promotion drives at intensive and
extensive levels.
iii. improve/upgrade the existing deficient infrastructure facilities
and the civic amenities.
iv. commence the institutional strengthening of STC to enable it to
fully discharge its future role as a leading agency in tourism
sector.
5.2 LONG TERM PROGRAMME.
Once the policies have been prepared and a general environment for
the tourism promotion an development has been established, the long
term programme will be implemented which will certainly involve
large scale funding and financing. This stage will involve the project
preparation, planning and implementation in a phased out manner
based on the established priorities. All the development projects are
proposed to be executed in this stage in an integrated fashion as will
be reflected later in the chapter on the project implementation. The
major activities proposed to be carried out during this stage are
therefor as follows:
i. extension of the infrastructure facilities and provision of civic
amenities to new sites in an integrated manner.
ii. extension of the level and coverage of the marketing and
promotion campaign.
iii. emphasis on revenue generation activities for sustainable
development in the tourism sector.
6. POTENTIAL TOURISM SITES AND LOCATION6. POTENTIAL TOURISM SITES AND LOCATIONSS
A long list of potential sites and location was prepared and included in
the Report on Existing Conditions. However, the list is neither
exhaustive nor it is within the scope of the consultants work to
prepare a 100% complete list of potential sites and location. In
absolute terms every location within the study area is a candidate for
development into some kind of tourism facility, be a picnic spot or a
roadside facility. Nonetheless, the consultants have made every effort
to identify all the potential sites and locations for the purpose of this
Master Plan.
6.1 MALAKAND AGENCY
Malakand Agency has a few places of interest to the visitors (Fig.4-A).
The details of which are as follows:
6.1.1 Jabban
This site is close to Dargai, located at the exit the Upper Swat Canal of
tunnel from the Malakand hill. Hardly four km away from Dargai, this
beautiful spot covered with thick growth of trees presents a
fascinating view. As the first of the two power houses is located here,
the churning of water fall, the humming of the transformers and
chirping of birds, all combined, pervade the atmosphere. Visitors,
mostly college students, boys and girls from all parts of the country
make it an annual feature of their excursion trips to visit this site and
spend a few hours. Some periodically come here for picnic which they
find as ideal place to enjoy with friends and realties.
Fig.4-A
6.1.2Malakand Pass
Malakand Pass throughout its length from the bottom near Dargai to
the top offers excellent views of scenic beauty and an interesting
drive. The view of valley down from the top is immensely impressive
and attractive. The lush green fields in the far distant and the shining
waters of Upper Swat Canal catch the attention of every passer by.
One or two view points at appropriate locations need to be established
with necessary protective measures.
As soon as one completes the ascent and reaches the top, one feels
like taking a little rest and to enjoy the view. Presently, the
restaurants located at the top do not offer adequate and decent
facilities, Therefore, a good quality restaurant is certainly required.
6.1.3Palai
This is a plain area at the foot of Chirat hill. A group of other villages
also co-exist here. These villages belong to the Khans of Thana.
Climatically the area is not attractive but its chief specialty lies in two
ways. Firstly the area abounds in old Buddhist remains. Valuable
statues have been recovered from the area illegally as well as
unauthorisedly. The second specialty of the area is the high quality
oranges produced here which have no comparison elsewhere in the
whole of the country. The area is accessible from two routes. One is
from Thana via Cherat mountain. The hill has a steep rough climb. The
black topping of the road is in progress under the ADP and it is hoped
that it will make the access easy for the area. The second and longer
route is from Shergarh of Mardan district. Palai area is also known for
production of tomatoes in autumn and early winter.
6.1.4Moora Hill
This high mountain resort is partly accessible by road as a television
booster has been established here but the scenic spots are a little
higher and not presently connected by road. The present electric line
can be extended to here and access road will also be necessary.
Spring water is already available. The average height of the area is
5500 feet which affords enough cool climate for the tourists. The
approach is from Thana to the T.V. booster and a little higher in the
hill.
6.1.5Seelai Patai
This site is a hill resort apposite Kalangai near the junction of Swat and
Panjkora rivers, at a height of 4500 feet above sea level. This is a
pleasant tourist potential site, which lacks good approach at present.
Initially some police protection may be needed as the population is not
tourism oriented.
6.1.6Left bank of River swat
The road from Batkhela to Swat passes through green fields with
shady trees on both sides of the road. This is particularly applicable in
the stretch from Batkhela to Thana. The river on the left somewhere
touching the road boundary is an added attraction. Cool aromatic
breeze even in the hot summer months refreshes the tourists while
driving.
A tourist park on the left bank of river Swat starting from Chakdara
Bridge upstream in a length of 2 to 3 Km with a reasonable width of
around 100 feet, constructed will provide a picnic spot for the visitors.
The site is ideal for such a facility. Opposite on the right bank are a
few huts each owned by the district administration, the Dir scouts and
others. These are however, not available for the tourists. A police
"Chauki" is already established at the bridge site and it can extend
safety cover for all tourists.
6.2 BUNER DISTRICT
The little explored and relatively unexposed district of Buner has
many potential sites for tourism as shown in Fig.4-B and discussed
below:
6.2.1. The Shrine of Pir Baba
This shrine located at Pacha Killi is known far and wide in the NWFP
and is visited by devotees from every district of NWFP, some from
Azad Kashmir and others from Punjab. The saint Said Ali was a pious
man devoted to worship and preaching of Islam. He therefore
attracted people and many of them reformed themselves. Incidentally
he was also a close relative of Moghal King Akbar.
A beautiful spot with a great deal of tourism potential from the natural
and scenic beauty point of view exists at a distance of about 2
kilometers north-east of this Ziarat which is most suitable to be
developed as a picnic spot.
6.2.2Mahaban Valley
This valley is known for its natural beauty in between green hills and
sweet spring waters. Of late the Frontier assembly unanimously
resolved to declare it a natural area for preservation. As no facilities
exist here the area is infrequently visited even by the nearby district
inhabitants of Swabi and Mardan.
6.2.3Elum/Dosarri
These are two adjoining hill tops of about 7000 ft height each and are
visible from a distance from what ever direction you look them within
Buner. Their view is more conspicuous during winter when the tops
are covered with snow. An interesting legend prevails in Buner in old
days, that the villagers when asked to decide which hill top
Fig.4-B
was higher than the other they were always indecisive. Some who
favored one hill top would fight with others who favored the other hill
top. Because of the high altitude these hill tops are most attractive in
summer for their fresh cool air and green surroundings of pine trees
and mostly medicinal shrubs and sweet smelling wild flowers. The
greenery is a good abode for wiled life, goats, monkeys, and even
leopards. No facility of tourism activity exists though potentially there
is no better place than this throughout Buner and in the near part of
Swat.
6.2.4Karakar Top
The beautiful mountain top falling on way from Barikot to Daggar has
good potential to be developed as a tourist attraction with related
ancillary facilities.
6.3 SWAT
Swat is graciously blessed by God in terms of natural and scenic
beauty. The journey on the road from Malakand to Swat for most part
is thrilling and exciting. The fruit gardens on one side and the River
Swat on the other side with snow clad peaks in farther hills and lush
green paddy fields by the river side presents an enchanting and
enamoring scenery. Almost all areas are beautiful and the preference
of one spot over the other is extremely difficult to decide. However,
for the purpose of this project and based on the criteria of tourism the
following sites/settlements have been designated as candidate sites
where some sort of tourism activity can either be established or
enhanced (Fig.4-C).
6.3.1Udegram Ruins
Udegram was an extremely large town where we can see the ruined
massive buildings dating back to the Kushan period. Here an imposing
staircase has been uncovered consisting of a series of steps about 25
feet long which belong to the Sassanian period. Arrows found in great
quantity testify to the fierce battles which in various
Fig.4-C
periods were fought for its capture. Coins, pottery, beads and a few
ornaments are precious items of reference in the chronological order
with reference to the various layers.
6.3.2Shankar Dara
There is a stupa most probably of the days of Ashoka and building
remains/ruins on a small hill, which also date back to the Buddhist
days which was the prime period of this religion for its followers in this
part of the country. A unique feature of the buildings constructed
during the Budhist civilization is that these buildings used to be
located on the adjacent hills adjoining the cultivable lands or in some
cases adjoining flowing water. This indicates that they would try to be
placed on safe commanding sites away from the vagary of floods
and/or possible invaders.
6.3.3Ghalegai Cave
This is a prehistoric cave near a stupa close to the village Ghalegai.
Details of this cave are shrouded and have to be explored. This is an
outstanding challenge for the present day archaeologists.
6.3.4Budha On Rock
Near village Ghalegai on road from Chakdara to Saidu Sharif is a large
statue of Mahatma Budha carved on a big rock and is an item of
attraction for the visitors. There is no sign post and most of the
tourists cross over the bend of the road unaware of the location. A few
steps were constructed during the past for observing the statue
closely. With manhandling during the past, the statue has been
disfigured. Even now it is not too late to mend. A railing with a small
gate and a sign post is needed. The sign post or board will give
indication for the location while the railing and the gate will give an
impression that the statue is meant to be preserved.
6.3.5Gogdara
Beyond Ghalegai , this is the most attractive site just off the main
road. Carvings of historic significance on rock here are of main
interest.
6.3.6Landaki Fishing Point
This is a beautiful spot as the Swat River hugs the road here in a bend.
Reclaimed river bed with grassy cover and few shady trees has made
this site attractive. Small improvised refreshment stalls have been
created for temporary stop over of passengers and tourists. Some
amateur anglers try their luck for fishing here, others enjoy the
roasted fish with a cup of tea or a cold drink.
6.3.7Mingora
Mingora is the district as well as the division headquarters and main
commercial area. Its shopkeepers are always prepared to engage in
serious bargaining and they offer wide range of items such as
jewellery, gems, embroidery, local handicrafts and Swati shawls.
Foreign made items are abundantly available as a number of people of
Swat are employed overseas and in merchant navy who bring these
items with them and dispose them off in the local market. It is the
main concentration of a large number of tourist facilities including
hotels and restaurants. A bridge across the river links Mingora with the
Airport and also with the newly developed Kanju Township.
6.3.8 Saidu Sharif
Saidu Sharif is the administrative capital of Malakand Division. Here is
located the Swat Museum, the remains of Butkada stupa, the Wali of
Swat palace, the tomb of Akhun of Swat called Saidu Baba and of
course, the only five star hotel of the Region.
6.3.9 Gulkada
At Gulkada, 2 kilometers north of Saidu Sharif, probably the most
important monastery of the country has been located. It surrounds a
big Stupa from where clandestine diggers have in the past many years
brought to light some of the most beautiful fragments of Gandhara
art. This is now within the precincts of Mingora extension of the town
where office complex of the district administration is situated. This
name of Gulkada is not more than two decades old. Its older name
was Butkadah meaning a place where statues are located.
The site is an old place of a village/ town of the Buddhist period and
excavations done here during the past by the archaeology department
exposed the ruins which are now visible to the visitor.
6.3.10 Swat Museum
Nearby is located a Museum called Swat Museum which houses many
valuable collections of the excavations in and around Mingora and the
adjoining archaeological sites. These collections are indications of the
life style of the people and their beliefs.
When we talk of collections preserved in the Museums here, at
Chakdara and even at Peshawar. the provincial metropolis, we are
reminded of the sad picture of reckless trade of these valuables going
on clandestinely on large scale. Measures are needed to discourage
and stop this illegal trade which deprives this region of its valuable
heritage which is in another way a brute attempt to misrepresent the
course of past history.
6.3.11 Marghozar
This beautiful spot is situated about 12 km towards South-East of
Mingora. There is a building of a palace made of white marble and
used to be occupied by the Wali's father, namely Abdul Wadood , alias
Bacha Sahib. There is an open mosque a spring of very cold water at a
lower level than the palace. A parking platform is also available
between the mosque and the palace. For several decades the building
remained vacant just to remind the rule of the ex-autocrat. Now this
has been leased out to become a restaurant-cum-hotel. It has also got
the facility of joy rides for the children. Since this is situated at a
height of about 4000 ft and has got shaded trees around and also
along the approach road, it has wholesome cooling effect on the
visitors.
6.3.12 Fizagat
The scenic river bank located a few kilometers from Mingora is a
tourist attraction spot throughout the year but more so during the
summer months as the cold snow melt water of Swat river affords
welcome relief to the visitors who sometimes enjoy a dip in the river.
The site has attraction as a picnic spot in all seasons of the year.
The back history of this attractive name is however very gruesome.
This site used to be called Qazaghat previously as condemned
prisoners of the then Swat State were executed here by firing squads
of the ex-ruler Bacha Sahib, Abdul Wadood by name and father of the
ex- Wali. Shariat Laws were practiced under the patronage of Bacha
Sahib Abdul Wadood by his appointed Qazis. The implementation of
the Islamic Jurisprudence by the then Qazis was according to their own
knowledge of Islam and there was no scope of appeal against the
verdict.
6.3.13 Miandam
This is situated midway between Mingora and Khwazakhela. It has got
an attractive commanding view over the narrow valley at the end of
which it is situated. A PTDC hotel has sometime back been established
which offers facilities to the tourists for stay. There is yet another Rest
House nearby. The connecting road between the two has been
proposed to be black topped at a cost of R: 2.0 million. A provision of
0.5 million is made for 1995-96 while R: 1.5 million are proposed to be
spent in 1996-97.
6.3.14 Malam Jaba
Malam Jabba is a Ski-cum-summer Tourist Resort, 35 kilometers from
Saidu Sharif (an hour long drive) where a beautiful white palatial
building of a newly built hotel welcomes the tourists. There are two
kinds of lift chairs. One for reaching the hill top and the other which
takes us to the skiing area during the winters. The resort is still not
fully developed. A luxurious hotel accommodation has been
constructed with the cooperation of Austrian Govt. Situated at a height
about 6,500 ft it has an attraction for the tourists to welcome them.
The tourists are however visiting the site infrequently . There could be
a few reasons for the same. Lack of publicity, uneasy and
uncomfortable access road and lack of adequate security measures
could be the possible reasons.
6.3.15 Manglor
This is a populous village situated on the left bank of Swat River
between Mingora and Khwazakhela. It is an important village
historically as it has remained the seat of rule during the Mughals and
even before that.
6.3.16 Madyan and Yakh Kandao
This is located on the main Mingora Kalam Road. By now it has a few
good hotels to accommodate tourists. From the bridge over Swat river
right in the bazaar, splashing turbulent water downstream and the
winding river upstream with green hills on the north and west present
an enchanting scenery. One is always tempted to have a stay of at
least a day or two if not more, to enjoy the view and bulling water of
Swat River.
6.3.17 Bahrain
It too is situated on the main Mingora-Kalam Road, just short of Kalam.
Here the gushing and splashing crystal clear cold water of two
tributaries meet which presents an absorbing moment to the mind and
the eyes. The swift movement of beautiful trout fish to and for is an
added attraction.
6.3.18 Kalam
Kalam (6,800 feet above sea level) is about 110 kilometers (65 miles)
north of Mingora and is the highest city in the Swat valley. A wooden
bridge links the city parts across the river. On all sides there are snow-
covered peaks of the Hindu Kush range, dense forests of fir, pine,
deodar and wild flowers. This is the terminus of the main glen starting
somewhere from Khwazakhela, as the valley here splits into two, one
towards Ushoo and the other towards Athrore. The river bed here
slightly wider, forms two small islands which further adds to the
beauty of the place as tourists reach the island with picnic
arrangements, photography and angling. It is to remind that trout fish
here is one of the greatest attraction, which is available under
licensed reel and rod.
6.3.19 Usho
Beyond Kalam on right is a beautiful valley by the name of Usho.
Traversing the road through thick grooves of pine trees, one is
enchanted by the attractive avenues of the greenery and the mild
ascent. Small hamlets on either side add to the beauty, away from
humdrum life of cities and vehicular noise. The valley is long enough
to touch more and still more scenic sites ahead.
6.3.20 Matiltan
Matiltan is the first small habitation in the Usho valley and akin to the
greenery just traversed. A tributary of Swat river with its constant
rumbling sound and shining snow melt water presents a perpetual
sources of joy to the mind. Angling for trout here is an astonishing
pastime.
6.3.21 Mahudand Lake
From Kalam, Mahodand Lake is 30 kilometers and to visit the lake one
has to hire a jeep. About 10 kilometers before the lake, there is a
fascinating waterfall. It is the most beautiful and biggest fall in this
area. En route to Mahudand one comes across two or at least one
glaciers, which may pose an obstacle for onward journey.
6.3.22 Athrore
The left of Kalam valley upstream leads to Athrore. The shingle road
runs all along the tributary of Swat river for 24 kilometers. This
tributary is in fact the major affluent of the two and because of
comparatively steeper slope presents an awe when this water strikes
against very high rocks. Up and up as we approach Athrore proper,
the valley becomes wider and wider. Green fields of potatoes and
corns present a true natural picture of village life undisturbed by the
artificial human innovations. Goats grazing on the slopes, small
children cutting grass along the terraced field while singing in their
dialects is a common scene.
6.3.23 Kandolo Dand
This is a beautiful lake in the extreme end of Athrore valley, so far
seen and visited by very limited number of tourists. The lake is one
and half kilometer long and one kilometer wide. Its beauty lies in its
location at a very high altitude and surrounded by the high mountains.
One distinct feature of this lake is that its water does not flow directly
from the lake itself. Unlike Saiful Muluk Lake in Kaghan, water flows
from the toe of the hill. This is a unique specialty gifted by God. This
specialty is an indication to the fact that it will survive many vagaries
of climatic changes if and when they happen in the near or distant
future.
To reach the lake one has to take a road passing Athrore bazaar.
Gabral is the terminus of the road beyond which one has to walk on
foot. Gabral is accessible through jeep with about 1 hour run while the
journey on foot takes about 2 hours with 2 to 3 times rest on the
climb. For about 1 hour enjoys the fast gushing stream flowing
downhill while striving to go up. You reach a forest Rest House
beautifully located in the thick groove of trees all around it. Up you go
and reach the top, you see the beautiful lake surrounded by high hills
and blue sky in the background. The reflection of the trees in the
crystal clear water presents a captivating scene. The lake is said to be
about 100 feet deep. Kandalo Dand means a lake of bowls. One
interpretation is that it is exactly a bowl in shape, some what oval. The
other is legendary tale that a golden bowl used to float on the surface
but disappeared later on for unknown reasons. Whatever the meaning
the lake is not less than a golden bowl by all means.
6.3.24 Gabral
Gabral is the next beautiful spot in the Athrore valley. This is a
beautiful resort of the valley 8 kilometers ahead in the same direction.
6.3.25 Khawazakhela
Khwazakhela, about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from Mingora on the
bank of the Swat River, is the largest commercial centre in this part of
the valley. The main street is worth exploring for silver tribal jewellery,
locally woven and embroidered fabrics, carved woodwork, semi-
precious stones and ancient coins. The bridge across the Swat River at
Khwazakhela leads to a metalled road that follows the river all the way
down to Chakdara. One road on the north westerly direction leads to
Besham and the Karakuram Highway.
6.3.26 Kabal
Kabal is an attractive site located on the north of Mingora town across
river Swat in relatively plain land at the foot of hill range. Nearby is
the airport connecting Swat with the rest of the country. Kabal is a
Golfers Paradise. An eighteen-holes golf course is open all the year
round and a tourist can play by paying the nominal government fee. A
Rest House and a large fruit orchard are also located here. A modern
hotel is planned to be constructed here in the coming years which will
provide facilities of stay for tourists which is presently lacking as the
Rest House is not available to visitors.
6.4 SHANGLA DISTRICT
Shangla is the smallest among all the districts of Malakand. It has the
following potential sites for tourism activity (Fig.4-D).
6.4.1Shangla Top
It is a mountain top with a great deal to natural beauty. Being located
in relatively higher altitude it remain covered with snow during winter.
The main Shangla road actually passes from the top. Most travellers
stop here for a short time . The place is presently without any facility
or amenity.
6.4.2Besham
Besham is an important settlement located at the junction of roads
with the Karakuram Highway. A number of tourist facilities including
hotels, motels and restaurants are already offering a wide range of
services.
Fig. 4-D
6.5 LOWER & UPPER DIR DISTRICTS
The sites and locations having potential for tourism activities in Dir are
shown in Fig 4-E and described below.
6.5.1Churchill Picket
This is situated at the hill top on the left of Chakdara bridge on river
Swat. The bridge separates Dir from Malakand Agency . The Churchill
Picket is named after Sir Winston Churchill the British Prime Minister
during the World War and was built in 1895. He participated in the
Malakand Operation in 1895 as a lieutenant. At the base of the
Churchill picket is the excavated site of Dam kot, which further
increases historic importance of the locality. The picket was also
visited by Queen Elizabeth in 1961 when she visited Swat on the
invitation of then President of Pakistan Field Marshal Muhammad
Ayub Khan.
The site is easily accessible. All facilities such as police post, bank,
dispensary and shopping area exist nearby . A recently constructed
motel by PTDC is a new addition to the facilities. This is situated in
between Batkhela and Chakdara.
6.5.2Chakpat or Chatpat
At hardly two kilometers from the Chakdara bridge on the north
westerly direction, half a km from the main Chakdara-Dir road a
village by the above name is situated. This small but historic village is
located at the foot of the hill, close to which is a mound.
Archaeologists detected signs of old relics of Buddhism and excavated
the area. As per their expectations and initial visible signs, they were
able to find valuable statues, which are now adorning the show eases
of the Chakdara museum. The site is significant from historic and
archaeological stand point and is of interest to the tourists.
Fig 4-E
6.5.3 Chakdara Museum
The museum is situated on the main Chakdara - Dir road, at a distance
of one and a half Km from the Chakdara bridge. It is 135 Km away
from Peshawar and 40 Km from Saidu Sharif-Swat. The collection in
the Museum comprises of items from the finds of excavations around
in the area. The Adamzai plain where the museum is situated and the
adjoining Talash plain are rich in archaeological sites, mostly exploited
by the archeology department of the Peshawar University. The
collection in the Museum is a true representation of the old civilization
of the then Buddhist era.
6.5.4Ouch
Located about 7 Kilometers from Chakdara and one a half km from the
main road on the right side is a village called Ouch. This is the largest
settlement in lower Dir District and is important from many angles. It
has got sweet springs, quite a few in number, which not only satisfy
the needs for drinking but also cater to a good extent for irrigation.
Historically, these springs have been mentioned by Babar, the Mughal
king, who passed through this village and crossed over to Swat.
There are also valuable relics, some of which (the hair) are reported to
belong to the Holy Prophet (PBUH). These have been housed in a
portion of the mosque called Noor Mahal. Every year in the Islamic
month of Rabiul Awal their display is a part of the holy function of
Milad.
6.5.5 Laram Sar
This is a peak of the mountain called Laram (Scorpion). The reason
behind this name is not fully known. The peak is 6,000 feet high with
fresh cold air throughout the year. It is located on a bye-pass road
from Chakdara-Dir road via village Ouch. The site is ideal for a tourist
resort but is lacking in certain amenities like hotel accommodation and
comfortable access road. The existing road is extremely rough.
Potentially the site has bright chances of improvement to attain a
reputation as tourist attraction. An encouraging development is the
proposed black topping of this road. The pace of work however ,is
extremely slow and needs to be accelerated by allocating more funds.
The site was recently visited by the STC management and a
consensus was found regarding the development of the site.
6.5.6Barcharai Top
This is a hill top named as such and is situated at a distance of 8 Km
from Chakdara on left side of Chakdara Dir road. The top is 5700 feet
high and the hill abounds in wild life. There is no access road except
approach by foot. All other facilities exist in the nearby settlement of
Ouch and Talash. The site can be developed into an attractive and
healthy tourist resort by constructing a jeepable road and suitable
accommodation for overnight stay.
6.5.7Sheringal Valley
This valley is located in the interior of Dir on a diversion road taking
off 8 Km short of Dir, on the right of Chakdara - Dir road. It has a 40
Km long stretch with beautiful landscape, walnut trees on these slopes
on the hills and green terraced fields, which are irrigated by a
tributary of Panjkora river flowing all along the road in the valley. The
road is fairly motorable. Important villages are Sharingal are Thai,
Lamothani and Kumrat which are located along this stretch. The last
one is the terminus. The snow melt water flowing in the river as well
as in the streams even during summer is as cold as snow itself. The
road was developed when the sawing industry of timber complex was
being established. No tourist facility exists presently but the valley is
potentially rich for such as industry. Suitable huts for overnight stay
should be built at Thai, Lamothai and Kumrat.
6.5.8 Nehag Dara
6.5.9 Osherai Dara
6.5.10 Karo Dara
6.5.11 Toremang Dara
These valleys of the interior Upper Dir district are rich in
greenery of all sorts from Walnuts, almonds and wild berries. The
terraced fields covered with green paddy fields present fascinating
scene during July and August. The water falls with silver shining water
are added attraction. The last hill on Osherai Dara has a beautiful
natural lake at the top equal to the size of Saiful Muluk Lake in Kaghan
Valley. Access road to the top is necessity. Each valley needs at least
one tourist facility to encourage visitors.
6.5.12 Barawal Valley
This valley starts on the left from 8 Km short of Dir town and is about
20 Km in length. Barawal is at the end of this stretch with picturesque
landscape, green walnut trees. Iron ore is extracted by the locals since
time immemorial. It is worth mentioning that all the weaponry of the
ex-ruler of Dir called Nawab was manufactured from this ore, and the
canon guns thus manufactured were also used in Kashmir Jehad in
1947. The gunners of Nawab were expert marksmen. No tourists
activity presently exists in the area. Lack of interest in the
environment by the authorities is resulting in thinning of greenery
which must be checked, to save this attractive valley from
denudation.
6.5.13 Benshahi
About 6 Km north of Summer Bagh in Jandool area of Dir is the hill
called by this name. This is part of the boundary of Afghanistan. The
hill is about 7000 feet high with strong winds blowing all the year
around. For summer months it is an ideal place to stay. On other side
of the valley is a plateau as green as a meadow. Tourist resorts are
needed to attract tourists to this beautiful hill top. The near
settlements is Samar Bagh where all the infrastructure facilities are
available.
6.5.14 Timargarah
This is the district headquarter of Lower Dir and is the junction for Dir
and Jandool. It is a historic site situated on the bank of River Panjkora.
Archaeological excavations have proved historical importance of this
place. All facilities exist here except those as tourist resort. Since this
is an important town in Dir and is situated on the Chitral - Kafiristan
route, the necessary amenities become all the more vital.
6.5.15 Dir/Panakot
Dir used to be the headquarter of the ruler - Nawab. Panakot with
7000 ft height enjoys its attraction during summer which was the
residential place of the Nawab. PTDC has recently completed a road
side facility here.
6.5.16 Lowari Top
This is a hill top 10000 ft high and is a natural boundary between
Upper DIR district and Chitral district. Because of its height it is snow
covered for about six months during the year, and is a handicap in the
development activities in Chitral. Attempts to have a tunnel across
this snow covered mountain during the past could not succeed mostly
because of financial constraints. If and when a tunnel is drilled and
safe passage to Chitral made possible the year round, the distract
would develop.
When the snow melts and the road between Dir and Chitral is
passable, the ascent and descent on this hill present a feat of
motoring. Quite a few tourists cannot face the descent and prefer to
shut their eyes while others enjoy this thrill. When the top and the
approaches to the top are snow covered during the winter months, a
journey by air presents still more a thrilling joy when the snow all
round is viewed from the plane.
6.6 CHITRAL
Chitral is the farthest district of Pakistan, which is surrounded by some
of the highest mountain ranges of the world. Its is mainly accessible
by road through Lowari Pass in the south, which remains closed for
almost six months of the year, making it one of the most inaccessible
areas of the country. The specific geographical and topographical
conditions make it one of the most attractive places from the tourism
point of view. The sites and locations identified as potential tourism
places are shown in Fig. 4-F and described as under.
6.6.1Ziarat
Ziarat is perhaps the first point of attraction after scaling the Lowari
Top into Chitral. The place is located approximately 8 kilometers from
the top on the main road. Chitral militia maintains a permanent post
here. The place has a significant function/role to play during the
journeys to and from Chitral as it is used for the stay by the
commuters during the period when Lowari Top is closed. Both tourists
and local passengers are forced to stay here during that period. The
place has another significant role to play as the proposed Lowari
tunnel as and when it is built, will have an exit at this point.
The place has nothing else to offer as no significant activity takes
place here. Few substandard hotels provide accommodation to the
passengers who are forced to stay here due to reasons stated earlier.
These hotels also offer substandard restaurant facility. No telephone,
electricity, post and telegraph or other facilities are provided here.
However, the militia has a wireless contact with other areas in the
region.
All foreign visitors get themselves registered here before entering into
Chitral, which is done by the Chitral Scouts.
Fig. 4-F
6.6.2Mirkhani Fort
At the junction of roads, one from Arandu and the other from Lowari
Top is located the historic Mirkhani Fort, at a distance of about 15
kilometers from Lowari Top. At this point Chitral river turns right
towards Arandu and then into Afghanistan. The Fort itself is located on
a higher level giving it prominent position from where the rulers in old
days used to command the area. The Fort at present is occupied by
Chitral Scouts as a wing headquarter.
Mirkhani provides civic amenities and services to the visitors in
addition to its own population comprising approximately 200 houses.
Basic facilities including post office and telephone are available here,
however, the place is without electricity, which is planned to be
provided in the near future. Some 40 to 50 shops are located along
the main road catering to the needs for the local population as also
the visitors.
6.6.3Naghar Fort
About 3 kilometer from Mirkhani Fort towards Chitral, the Naghar Fort
is located on the bank of Chitral River. The Fort is presently occupied
by a nephew of the ex-Mehtar of Chitral who welcomes a number of
foreign tourists every year. A suspension bridge on river Chitral links
the Fort with the main road. The place is rich in natural beauty in the
surrounding areas and is a favorite stop over for the foreign tourists.
However, it does not offer any civic urban facility of any kind, except a
telephone link which is provided to the Fort only.
6.6.4Arandu
Located at the border with Afghanistan, Arandu is about 32 Km from
Mirkhani. Arandu is the last major Pakistani town before entering into
Afghanistan and provides an alternate route linking Chitral with rest of
Pakistan. But almost half of the journey passes through the Kunar
District of Afghanistan. Mostly the local population uses this route
during the periods when Lowari Top is closed for all traffic. The route is
not used by the foreign tourists as it is not safe.
A few hotels of substandard level provide accommodation to the
passengers who are forced to stay for one reason or the other. A small
market provides the shopping facilities to the local population. Arandu
is an old settlement which has played historic role during the ancient
times being en route of the foreign invaders. A post office, a police
station and telephone office are located here, however no bank or any
other facility is located. Electricity has not yet been provided to
Arandu.
6.6.5Drosh
Drosh is the second largest town of Chitral District with an
approximate population of 10,000 persons. At local level this is the
biggest urban center in lower Chitral. Located at a distance of about
37 kilometers from Lowari Top, this is the first urban settlement of any
significant size. It used to be the headquarter of Chitral Scouts for may
years, till recently when it was shifted to Chitral city.
Drosh is a historic city which witnessed a number of historic events in
the past. It used to be a sort of a cantonment in olden days due to its
strategic location in the surrounding areas. A number of important
Darras (valleys) fan out from Drosh towards different directions. The
most important of these Darras are Shishikoh and Ursun.
Drosh is a Tehsil headquarter of Chitral District where a number of
urban and civic facilities are located which include a hospital, a
telephone exchange, a post office, a police station and a Rest House of
C&W Deptt. The office of the Extra Assistant Commissioner is also
located here. The town is served with adequate infrastructure facilities
including water supply and electricity. However, sewerage system is
comprised of open drains. It happens to be the winter station for
whole of Chitral valley, where otherwise the temperature are
extremely low. Drosh is also connected by a helicopter service with Dir
during winter when Lowari Top is closed. A site for the old
airport/airstrip used by the British, is still existing in Drosh. The garden
of Drosh and the area as a whole are attractions for tourists during
their short stay in Drosh. As against its strategic situation en route to
Chitral, the hotel activity is not significant. It is most probably so
because very few tourists choose Drosh for an overnight stay. They
rather prefer to move on to Chitral.
6.6.6Ayun
Ayun is perhaps the most beautiful and the largest single village in
Chitral This village is actually located at the mouth of the three
famous valleys of Kalash. The very situation of this village assigns it a
significant importance. Ayun is located on the right bank of Chitral
River and is accessible by two suspension bridges from the main
Chitral Road. The village is connected by telephone as also a police
station, Basic Health Unit (BHU) and post office are located here. The
village is served by electricity through a privately owned power
generator. This village also offers jeep service to the visitors travelling
to the Kalash valleys. A small bazaar caters for the local needs for
shopping etc.
6.6.7Kalash/Kafiristan
The Kafirs are a primitive tribe with their origin lost in antiquity. Some
15 kilometers south of Chitral city and west of Chitral river, there lies
the entry to a gorge between the high and rocky cliffs. The gorge
slopes gently upwards, fanning out into a number of smaller valleys,
and it is in these valleys that the last surviving Kafirs dwell. Following
are the three major valleys of Kalash:
i. Birir
ii. Bamburat
iii. Rumbur
This tribe though surrounded by the Muslim population follow their
own religion, customs and beliefs which dates back to several
centuries, may be thousands of years. There are two distinct type of
Kafirs: the Bashgarlis (Red Kafirs) and the Kalash (Black Kafirs). The
Chitrali Kafirs are Kalash. The Red Kafirs are mostly Muslims converted
during the last century and are settled in the upper valley of Chitral.
They are also known as Shaikhs. Some historians define them as Indo-
Iranian, while others consider that they are the descendants of Greeks
left behind by Alexander the Great.
The main access to the Kalash valley is from Ayun which provides all
the basic facilities and amenities to these valleys.
6.6.8Chitral
Chitral town, the largest urban settlement in Chitral Valley, the seat of
rulers in old days and the present day district headquarters is located
at a distance of 79 kilometers from Lowari Top. Invaders have been
entering Chitral both from Afghanistan and Gilgit. Chitral Fort has
been a strong defence post for the state during the invasions. The Fort
is well preserved and as a central point of attractions for the visitors.
Being the district headquarters with a population of about 14,000
persons Chitral enjoys all basic urban facilities and amenities including
hotels, restaurants, post and telegraphs service, telephone, electricity,
banks, shopping areas etc.
Interesting places in Chitral include the Chitral Fort, Shahi Mosque,
Shahi Bagh, Police Bagh, Council Buildings and the Polo Ground.
Chitral maintains a strong polo team during the annual polo festival at
Shandoor. One remarkably beautiful and interesting attractive place is
Birmolasht which is a plateau adjacent to Chitral.
6.6.9Garam Chashma
The significance of Gram Chashma as is reflected from its name is due
to the natural hot springs of mineral (sulphur) water located here.
These springs are famous to cure a number of skin diseases for which
people from local areas as well as from other parts of the country
come here. A small settlement of about 400 houses has also emerged
here with some commercial activities to cater for the needs of the
local population as well as of the visitors. Garam Chashma is located
at a distance of about 35 kilometer from Chitral, therefore, the
overnight stay facilities are not locally required. However, a police
station, telephone office, a rest house and a post of Chitral Scouts are
located here. The village has its own water supply system and an
electricity supply system through a private power generator.
Garam Chashma is anticipated to gain more attention in the near
future as the proposed road leading to the Central Asia will pass
through here before entering into Afghanistan. The project has now
entered into a serious phase as the stretch of road passing through
Afghanistan is already under execution and the Chief Minister of
NWFP, Mr. Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao has recently paid a special visit
to Garam Chashma in this regard.
6.6.10 Gobar Bakh Darra
Gobar Bakh Darra is a pass en route to Afghanistan from Pakistan at a
distance of about 20 Kilometers from Gram Chashma. Gobar Bakh is
the last village of Chitral before crossing the border. Gobar Bakh has
little significance otherwise, however, the scenery in far distance
showing the snow clad peaks of Hindu Kush is quite attractive and
enchanting.
6.6.11 Koghoozi
Located at a distance of about 20 kilometers from Chitral to Mastuj is
a beautiful spot with tremendous natural beauty. The place is famous
for the "Chinar" and walnut trees which are found in abundance here.
Koghoozi village has a population of about 2,000 persons with a small
bazaar catering for the local needs. In addition to walnuts and grapes
pomegranates are also in abundance in and around this area which is
well irrigated by natural springs. A post office, a hospital, locally
generated electricity, telephone, water supply and police post are all
existing in the village.
6.6.12 Trichmir Top
The mighty peak of Trichmir with elevation of more than 25,000 feet is
located towards west of Chitral. This peak being the most striking
feature of the natural landscape can be seen from every where in
Chitral. The peak remains covered with snow all year round and during
the summer sunshine looks as beautiful as a bride with full dress
condition.
It is a popular trekking attraction both for domestic as well as foreign
tourists. Scaling the peak is an open and inspiring invitation with a lot
of temptation to the trackers. Guides for trekking are available from
Chitral in addition to all necessary arrangements for this purpose. The
trekking expeditions normally are carried out from June to September.
Challenging as it is the climb is at the time fraught with danger of fatal
fall.
6.6.13 Buni
The third largest urban center of Chitral with a population of about
8,000 persons, is the headquarters of Mastuj sub-division. Located
along the main Chitral-Mastuj Road at a distance of 75 Kilometers
from Chitral, Buni is situated on the western side of the River Chitral. A
trackable suspension bridge links the town with the main road.
Buni is located on relatively plain area which is considerably vast in its
coverage. Buni is well known for its fruits which are delicious and rich
in taste. Apples, grapes, apricots and peach are found in abundance,
which are mostly consumed locally and also go waste due to the lack
of appropriate facilities for storage and transportation to other areas
of the country. A hot mineral spring is also located in Buni which is
visited by a large number of local and domestic visitors.
Buni is provided with a local water supply system and electricity by
WAPDA power house. The facilities like Post office, Police station,
Markets, Banks, Telephone exchange etc are also located in Buni. A
number of government office buildings and rest houses are also
located in Buni. No hotel facility is located due to the lack of demand
by the visitors for overnight stay. Some local restaurants in the main
bazaar of Buni however, offer ordinary local foods. A T.V booster is
under construction after which the PTV services will be extended to
this area. Buni Zom located majestically and facing Buni town adds a
lot to the beauty of the area. The peak remains covered with snow all
the year round.
6.6.14 Snoghar
Snoghar is an old settlement of Chitral which is known because of its
natural springs which are amazingly large in number. It is therefore
called the home of springs. The area is rich in natural beauty and
natural vegetation.
Snoghar is located at a distance of about 87 kilometer from Chitral on
the left side of Yarkhun River near the main road. The old road used to
pass through here. The place is also accessible from Buni. The village
is comprised of 300 to 400 houses. A striking feature of the village is
its grassy fields where the grass is thick like austro turf. Glaciers are
located relatively closer from here at a distance of not more than 3
hours walk. A polo ground is also located in Snoghar.
A legend among the local population says that once this glacier was
broken and a large number of live frogs emerged from it. When the
frogs were killed, pieces of gold were discovered from them. A post
office and BHU are located in Snoghar to cater for the local population.
6.6.15 Mastuj
The historic settlement of Mastuj was the headquarter of Mastuj
District during the time of Mehtars. However, it was made a part of
Chitral District later on, but remained the seat of sub-division Mastuj
which it is to date. After Drosh, Chitral and Buni, Mastuj is the last
major settlement of Chitral valley towards north. The town is located
at a distance of 112 kilometer from Chitral and 33 Km from Buni in the
north, along River Yarkhun.
All the administrative offices of sub-division level are located at
Mastuj. The town is actually situated at the mouth of two Darras
(valleys) one is Darra Laspur and the other is Yarkhun. Darra Laspur
leads to the famous Shandoor Pass, whereas the other takes one to
Broghol Pass which is about 150 kilometer away in the north leading
further to Wakhan Area of Afghanistan. Laspur valley leads to
Shandoor Pass after 43 Km and ultimately enters into Gilgit after
crossing Shandoor Top.
A PTDC motel is near completion in Mastuj, which will be perhaps the
only hotel of reasonable standard in Mastuj. A known personality of
the area is Col (Retd.) Khush Waqt al Mulk who is a charming
personality and is a definite tourist attraction. He has been the
Governor of Mastuj during the time of Mehtars. Most foreign tourists
like to pay visit to him, who also offers overnight accommodation to
them.
The people of Mastuj are fond of Polo and maintain a strong polo
team. The polo stadium of Mastuj is well known in the area. A degree
college is located in Mastuj together with other public buildings. All
basic public facilities are existing including water supply, electricity,
telephone, post & telegraph, police station, banks and hospitals etc.
The wing headquarter of the Chitral Scouts is also located here.
6.6.16 Pari Mari
Pari Mari is a small village at a distance of 6 kilometer from Mastuj.
There is an interesting feature of this place which is a very old
"Chinar" tree of extra ordinary size, whose trunk is submerged in mud
caused by the land slides from the surrounding mountains. The four
enormous branches of the tree have a coverage approximately one
acre of land. The village otherwise is an ordinary place but with the
abundance of local fruits. There is no other urban facility or civic
amenity available here.
6.6.17 Shandoor Top
Shandoor Top is located at the end of Laspur valley which is about 43
kilometers long starting from Mastuj. The height of Shandoor Top is
above 13,000 feet. The pass leads to the territory inside Gilgit.
Shandoor has gained significant fame both nationally and
internationally due to the annual festival of Polo which is attended by
a large number of visitors from all around the world, including the
dignitaries like President and Prime Minister of Pakistan. The festival
lasts for almost 10 days during which various interesting cultural
programmes of music, dance and sports are performed. The festival is
held during the last week of June or the first week of July.
A lake located close to the pass called Shandoor lake is a beautiful
spot. The lake becomes frozen during the winter when it can be scaled
on foot. While travelling between Chitral and Gilgit. this route is open
during the summer only.
6.6.18 Mooza Takht Khatan at Reshun
Reshun is a small village located at a distance of about 50 Km north of
Chitral before reaching Buni. The village offers significant material
reflecting the traditional culture of Chitral. The village is known
because of a single room located here which is all made of wood and
shows Chitrali skills in wood designs and carving. The room measures
30 feet x 24 feet in size.
6.6.19 Brep
Brep village consisting of about 900 houses is known for its apples and
walnuts and beautiful scenery. The gardens of these trees surround
the village on all sides. The apples of Brep are unique in taste as also
are its walnuts. So delicate is the walnut shell that if fallen from the
tree, the shell gets broken. The village is located about 24 Kilometer
away from Mastuj in Yarkhun valley right along the main road.
6.6.20 Madak Lasht
This a beautiful valley offering scenic views near Drosh. Six months of
summer are very pleasant. We can enter Dir through this valley. The
inhabitants of this area belong to Persian ethnic group. Natural Deodar
trees are abundant in quantity.
6.6.21 Chitral Gol
Gol means a stream. The Chitral Gol is a small valley, with outstanding
natural landscapes. Natural wild life like deer, "markhore, Titer,
Choter" are found. There are also numerous archaeological sites
representing the old Buddha civilization. The rulers of Chitral known as
Mehtar used to play game in the valley.
6.6.22 Birmugh Lasht
This is a beautiful spot located at a distance of 5 km from Chitral and
is situated on a relatively higher altitude, where Mehtar of Chitral has
his rest house.
6.6.23 Goleen Gol Valley
It is another beautiful valley with natural vegetation of trees of deodar
and fruits. Its entrance lies near Koghoozi village towards Mastuj, at
one km distance. The mountains of this place are high with vertical
slopes looking splendidly with snow covered white peaks. The natural
water of springs flow and looks beautiful. The people of this area do
grazing and maintain goats and sheep. The government has started to
construct a grid station and a hydal power project.
6.6.24 Tirich Valley
This valley is 60 km long with beautiful natural coverage of
vegetation. Through Tirich Valley we can reach Tirich Top. It is sub-
Tehsil of Mulikoh. Most of the tourists like to pass this beautiful valley.
It is close to Pak-Afghan international boarder.
6.6.25 Shahjinali
It is a uniform level flat spot full of beautiful natural landscape.
Walking through this valley one can enter in sub-Tehsil of Turikoh of
Sub-division Mastuj.
7. DEFINITIONS OF TOURIST FACILITIES7. DEFINITIONS OF TOURIST FACILITIES
Following are the definitions of various tourism facilities and activities
proposed in the Master Plan in terms of their purpose, function, area
and other necessary information.
i. HOTEL
A hotel is meant to be a building providing facilities to stay overnight
for the tourists and visitors, includes a number of bed rooms, a
kitchen, a restaurant, a lobby and other facilities for the entertainment
of the visitors . Hotels have been classified in various categories from
single star to five stars depending upon the number and type of
facilities provided.
ii. MOTEL
A motel is meant to be a building providing facilities to stay for the
tourist and visitors overnight in a limited capacity and duration.
Generally a motel is a place for shorter stays than in hotel and offers
limited facilities as compared to that of a hotel . In the context of this
Master Plan a motel is essentially awned and or managed by STC.
iii. TOURIST HOSTEL
A tourist hostel is a building with a number of rooms for overnight stay
of the tourists with common bathrooms and no restaurant or cooking
facility. It offers accommodation on thrifty rates with no extra
facilities. In the context of this Master Plan a tourist hostel is owned
and or managed by STC.
iv. RESTAURANT
A restaurant is an area where meals and snacks are served. It
necessarily is comprised of a dining hall and a kitchen . An open
eating/ sitting space is optional. In the context of this Master Plan a
restaurant is essentially owned and or managed by STC.
v. PICNIC SPOT
Picnic spot is an area with potential of scenic and natural beauty ,
suitable for passive and light active recreation of the tourists. It will
comprise of grassy field, landscaping, sitting place, and properly
designed walkways. The picnic spot varies in size but will not be less
than 5 kanals in area in order to adequately perform its functions and
will not be more than 20 canales to become a recreation park. In the
context of this Master Plan the proposed picnic spots will be designed ,
developed owned maintained and managed by STC.
vi. ROADSIDE FACILITY.
A roadside facility is a small ..kiosk offering light refreshments like
cold drinks, candies, cigarettes etc. A small car park for 4 to 5 cars can
also be provided to facilitate its functions. STC will encourage the
small scale local entrepreneurs or individuals to establish such
facilities on designated sites.
vii. TOURIST FACILITATION CENTRE.
Tourist Facilitation Centers (TFC) are proposed to actually replace the
presently existing Tourist Information Centers. The Tourist Facilitation
Centre will have a much broader scope of services and facilities
offered to the tourists. In addition to providing information regarding
the places of interest, the TFC will also provide information regarding
day to day whether conditions, road conditions, availability of hotel
accommodation during the peak season, alternate tour/route plans,
make contacts with car rentals, tour operators, tour guides etc. Tourist
Facilitation Centre will be located along the main roads at prominent
and easily accessible sites. It will cover small area comprising of 2
rooms only. A Tourist Facilitation Centre can also be located within
the premises of a hotel, motel or restaurant, if adequately accessible.
viii. CABLE CAR / CHAIR LIFT
A Cable Car is a mode of transport for the recreation of tourists
located mainly between the two hill tops across a valley. While the
chair lift is open , the cable car is an enclosed / glass container with
seating for 2 to 6 persons. The car/ chair moves hanging with a cable.
ix. CAMPING SITE
Camping site is a designated area where tourist can erect tents/camps
for overnight stay. The whole area is paved and space for tents/camps
is marked on the ground . The necessary infrastructure facilities like
water, sewerage etc. are provided for common use. An adequate
space for car parking is also provided . The site area varies from 2
kanals as minimum to make it functionally viable to 10 kanals as
maximum to keep it manageable.
x. FISHING
Fishing is a sport popular at few spots in the fresh water rivers. Fishing
does not require any designated area in terms of space. However, it
stretches along the river banks and spots need to be identified which
are suitable for this activity in order to control the activity and restrict
the commercial motives.
xi. BOATING.
Boating is also a popular sport and mode of recreation. However,
appropriate measure need to be provided for safety purposes.
xii. RAFTING
Rafting is a challenging, exciting and adventurous game common is
the U.S and some European countries which is essentially played in
the rivers with very rough waters identical to the conditions prevailing
in River Kunhar in Kaghan Valley. Rafts are specially made boats of
fiber glass or light materials, small in size and meant for a single
person ride.
xiii. WINTER SPORTS
There are many winter sports played on snow. It the context of this
Master Plan winter sports mean skiing as out door sport and ice-
skating as indoor sport. Ice skating domes with adequate space and
atmosphere are proposed as a new attraction for tourists in this area.
xiv. ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES
Archeological sites are places of historic and cultural significance,
interesting for tourists and mainly consist of excavated ruins and
preserved old buildings and monuments.
xv. TRACKING
Scaling hilly areas and mountains on foot for recreation purpose is
called tracking. It is generally undertaken to enjoy nature, beauty and
flora and fauna.
8. PROPOSED TOURIST FACILITIES8. PROPOSED TOURIST FACILITIES
Various sites have potential for various types of tourist facilities
depending on the location, cultural and historical significance,
topography and natural environment. Accordingly, various types of
tourist facilities are suitable at various locations depending on the
expected usefulness of the facility. Pakistan is an Islamic country with
peculiar cultural and social background, especially the tribal values
and culture still prevail in Hazara Region. Therefore, certain tourism
facilities like bars serving liquor, discos and night life are totally non
existent nor have any prospects to flourish in near future.
Furthermore, Pakistan including its northern areas is economically a
developing nation with limited budgetary allocations to provide lavish
and extensive infrastructure facilities to offer to its people as well as
to the tourists. Hence a very realistic approach has been adopted
while making various proposals in this Master Plan. Within the above
context, the following tourist facilities have been considered for this
purpose.
i. Hotelii. Moteliii. Tourist Hosteliv. Restaurantv. Picnic Spotsvi. Roadside Facilityvii. Tourist Facilitation Centreviii. Cable Car/ Chair Liftix. Camping Sitex. Fishingxi. Boatingxii. Raftingxiii. Winter Sportsxiv. Archeological Sitesxv. Tracking
Following are the proposed locations suitable to provide the above
tourist facilities by district. The provision of these facilities in terms of
number and location have been guided mainly by the existing demand
and also the anticipated demand at the end of the next 10 years (the
plan period), when the tourist traffic is likely to increase by at least
five folds, as a result of the vigorous promotion and development
phases carried out by STC.
8.1 MALAKAND AGENCY
Malakand Agency is the gate way to the Malakand Region and is
relatively a small area.
A road from Mardan provides the most important and major vehicular
access to the Region after scaling the famous Malakand Pass. The
Malakand top offers breath taking panoramic views of the Swat canal
and its valleys. It is also the seat of the Political Agent and various
other government offices, including a hospital located at the top.
Since most of the tourists have destinations either in Swat, Dir or
Chitral, this place has no potential for a hotel, therefore no hotel is
proposed for Malakand Agency. After descending down from the top
towards north, one road goes straight into Swat valley, the other goes
right towards Thana and leads into Buner District, whereas another
road turns left into Dir after crossing River Swat at Chakdara Bridge.
This junction, is therefore an important location. A motel has been
proposed near Chakdara Bridge. A few rooms accommodation will be
sufficient to cater for the needs during the high season. This motel will
also include a restaurant. This will be in addition to few restaurants
and rest places already existing at the top of Malakand Pass. Due to
its important location as entry point to the Malakdand Region. A
Tourist Facilitation Centre is proposed to be located at the top in order
to provide a variety of guidance.
Jabban and Moora Hills are two beautiful spots located in Malakand
Agency. It is proposed to further develop them into picnic spots, with
restaurants to be located at each of them. A spot near a small ziarat
along the main road just before the Malakand top is also proposed to
be developed as picnic spot. The closed vicinity of existing restaurants
on the top does not require another restaurant here. However a road
side facility is proposed at this location. Another picnic spot is
proposed to be located at Seelai Patai being a potential location.
However, being in close vicinity to the existing settlements no other
facility is proposed.
Following is the summary of the proposed tourist facilities in Malakand
Agency, which are also shown in Table-2 and Fig. 5-A.
A. Motel : 1
i. Chakdara Bridge
B. Restaurant : 3
i. Malakand Pass
ii. Jabban
iii. Moora Hill
C. Tourist Facilitation Centre
: 1
i. Malakand Top
D. Picnic Spots :
4
i. Jabban
ii. Moora Hill
iii. Ziarat Near Top
vi. Selai Patai
E. Roadside Facility : 1
i. Ziarat near Top
TABLE-2 Proposed Tourist Facilities in Malakand Agency by
Location and Type.
Motel Restaurant Picnic
Spot
Roadside
Facilities
T.f Centre
1. Malakand
Pass
- 1 - - 1
2. Near Top - - 1 1 -
3. Chakdara
Bridge
1 - - - -
4. Jabban - 1 1 - -
5. Moora Hill
6. Selai Patai
-
-
1
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
TOTAL 1 3 4 1 1
Fig.5-A
8.2 BUNER DISTRICT
Relatively remotely located and less accessible, is the recently
established district of Buner, which was traditionally a part of the Swat
District. An all weather black-top road leads from Thana in Swat to
Daggar, the capital of Buner. Another road links it with Swabi through
totalai but is not much used for all traffic. The famous Ziarat of Haji
Baba is located closed to Daggar in the north.
Buner has a rich historic background dating back to the periods of
Alexander the Great, Buddhist era and Mughals of India. Many events
significant in the history of Malakand actually took place in Buner. The
sacred wars of Ambela by the Bare Head Saint against the British were
also fought here. The famous minister Birbal of Akbar the Great was
killed at Karapa with his 810 soldiers.
Buner is a relatively isolated area as it is located off the main trading
route of Malakand. This is one of the reasons for its neglect and poor
socio-economic conditions. However, the area is otherwise rich in
terms of scenic beauty. Mahaban valley has been recently declared as
natural area for preservation by the provincial assembly of NWFP.
Buner is accessible from the Swat through a road turning right from
Barikot. The beautiful mountain top of Karakar falls on the way to
Daggar. This place has a great deal of potential to be developed into a
picnic spot. In addition to the picnic spot a restaurant is proposed here
to cater for the needs of the tourists.
Since a large scale tourist movement is not anticipated in Buner, no
hotel is proposed to be located here. However, 2 motels are
proposed, one at Daggar and the other at an appropriate location in
Mahaban valley. These motels will also provide the restaurant
facilities.
There is another beautiful spot with good potential at a distance of
about 2 kilometer north east of Ziarat Haji Baba. A picnic spot and a
restaurant are proposed to be located here.
Buner is also accessible from south linking it with Swabi and Mardan. It
is proposed to develop only roadside facilities at 2 location; one at
Shahbaz Garhi and the other at Totalai. Though Shahbaz Garhi is not
located in Malakand Region, it has strong linkage with Buner District.
Since most tourists are expected to cross Malakand Pass to enter
Buner, the tourist facilitation centre at the pass will serve the Buner
area as well, therefore no separate facility has been proposed.
Following is the summary of the proposed tourist facilities in Buner
District, which are also shown in Table -3 and Fig 5-B.
A. Motel : 2
i. Dagger
ii. Mahaban Valley
B. Restaurants : 2
i. Karakar Top
ii. Near Ziarat
C. Picnic spots : 2
i. Karakar Top
ii. Near Ziarat
D. Roadside Facilities : 2
i. Shahbaz Garhi
ii. Totallai
Table-3: Proposed Tourist Facilities in Buner Distt. by Location and
Type of Facility
Motel Restaurants Roadside
Facilities
Picnic
Spots
1.Daggar 1 - - -
2.Mahaban valley 1 - - -
3.Karakar Top - 1 - 1
4.Near Ziarat - 1 - 1
5.Shahbaz Garhi
located in Mardan
Dist
- - 1 -
6.Totalai - - 1 -
Total 2 2 2 2
Fig.5-B
8.3 SWAT DISTRICT
Swat district is undoubted by the hub of the tourism activity in the
whole of Malakand Region as well as that of NWFP. The lush green and
picturesque valley of Swat starts from Malakand Agency to Kalam in
the north for a distance of about .... kilometers with River Swat
running almost in the centre as the main life line of the valley. While
moving north from Malakand Agency, the snow-clad peaks in the
background present awe-inspiring views. Tourists from abroad as well
as all over the country throng to the valley during all seasons of the
year.
Swat was an important cultural centre of Gandhara Civilization, the
remains of which are still found scattered at various locations in the
valley. It remained an independent state during and after the British
rule. The state hood was however, abolished during the late sixties to
become an integral part of Malakand Region.
The main road of Swat runs north-south along the river to provide
access to almost all the human settlements of the valley either
directly or through secondary roads network. Immediately, after
crossing down from Malakand Agency, the ruins of Landake and
Udegram are places of interest for the tourists. They include Buddhist
stupas and old ruins. The inscribed statue of Buddha is located near
Ghalegai. Two roadside facilities, one at Landake and the other at
Udegram are proposed to be located for short stay of the tourists
visiting these shrines. The river side here offers excellent opportunity
for picnic spots, therefore one picnic spot at Landake and the other
near Ghalegai have also been proposed.
Moving onwards, the road takes to Mingora, the biggest urban
settlement of the Region and its administrative seat. Mingora offers all
urban civic facilities including a large number of hotels, restaurants,
shopping centre and other necessary service. Saidu Sharif Airport is
located across the river and provides a direct air link with the rest of
the country. Kanju Township located near the airport is a recent
addition of decent housing area of the city. Mingora offers a variety of
hotel accommodation from a 4 star hotel to a number of 3 stars, 2
stars and single star hotels. Keeping in view the increase in demand
during the next 10 years, at least 2 more hotels are proposed to be
located at Mingora. Additionally one motel is also proposed at an
appropriate location. In order to meet a variety of demand a tourist
hostel is also proposed for Mingora. Being the centre of the tourism
activity, a tourist facilitation centre is also proposed to be located in
Mingora. A site near the bridge of the river offers an excellent
opportunity to provide a recreation park of adequate size. An
interesting recent development is the Kabal Golf course located across
the river. It is a fully planned and designed golf course of international
standard, therefore nothing new has been proposed here. The
beautiful white palace at Marghozar in another attraction in the
vicinity of Mingora, which offers both hotel and restaurant facility,
therefore no additional facility has been proposed.
Moving awards in north, a road takes off from the main road at
Manglor to the tourist resort of Malam jaba. A five star hotel and a
cable car were built few years back but have not been operational to
date due to various administrative and other reasons. The place has
already started deteriorating. There is an urgent need to resolve the
issues and commence the operation at Malam Jaba.
Khawazakhela is an important road junction as a road turns right from
here into Shangla District and links Swat Valley with Karakuram
Highway in Hazara Region. A motel with a restaurant is proposed to be
located at Khawazakhela. Madyan and Bahrain are two important
settlements on road to Kalam. Both offer hotel and restaurant facilities
to the tourists. No additional facility has been proposed for them.
Mankial however offer a great deal of potential as a resting spot. A
picnic spot with a road side facility are proposed to be located here for
short stay of the tourists between Mingora and Kalam.
After Mingora, Kalam is the most important urban settlement of Swat
valley and is also the destination of most tourists visiting the valley.
This Master Plan proposes Kalam to be developed as the future centre
of the tourist activity in the entire Swat valley. Kalam has the potential
to be development as tourist resort at the national level. Special
consideration has therefore been made in case of Kalam. The
recommendations include the development of at least 4 more
hotels ,one tourist hostel, one motel and one tourist facilitation centre.
A camping ground of adequate size at an appropriate location, fishing
in river Swat a picnic spot and a sports complex for winter sports are
other special developments proposed for Kalam. The Natural
environment of Kalam and the surrounding area offers excellent
tracking opportunities. Three tracking routes have been proposed for
this purpose; one from Kalam to Mahodand. second from Uthrore to
Kandalodand and the third one from Uthrore to Dir.
From Kalam two roads lead in different directions. One in the north-
east direction take to the beautiful Mahodand Lake via Ushu and
Matiltan. The other in the north-west direction to Kandalodand lake via
Uthrore. In the north-east direction, a restaurant is proposed to be
located at Usho and another one at Mahodand lake to cater for the
needs of the visitors. In the north-west direction, a motel is proposed
to be located at Uthrore to provide limited facility for night stay. A
restaurant is also proposed to be located. A special feature of the
proposed development is a cable car service between Uthrore and Dir
across the mountain range. A fishing facility is also proposed to be
located at Uthrore.
Following is the summary of the proposed tourism facilities in Swat
District, which are also shown in Table-4 and Fig.5-C.
A. Hotels : 6
i. Mingora (2)
ii. Kalam (4)
B. Motels : 4
i. Mingora
ii. Kalam
iii. Khawazakhela
iv. Uthrore
C. Tourist Hostel : 2
i. Mingora
ii. Kalam
D. Restaurants : 3
i. Usho
ii. Mahodand
iii. Kandalodand
E. Picnic Spot : 4
i. Kalam
ii. Landake
iii. Mankial
iv. Ghalegai
F. Roadside Facility : 4
i. Udegram
ii. Landake
iii. Gokdara
iv. Mankial
G. Recreation Park : 1
i. Mingora
H. Tourist Facilitation Centre :
2
i. Mingora
ii. Kalam
I. Cable Car : 2
i. Uthrore
ii. Malam Jaba
J. Camping Ground : 1
i. Kalam
K. Winter Sports : 2
i. Kalam
ii. Malam Jaba
L. Fishing : 2
i. Kalam
ii. Uthrore
M. Tracking : 3
i. Kalam
ii. Uthrore
iii. Kandalodand
Table-: 4. Proposed Tourist Facilities in Swat Distt. by Location and Type of Facility
Hot
el
Motel Tourist
Hostel
Rest
a-
uran
t
RSF Picni
c
Spot
Rec
.Pa
rk
TFC Cabl
e
Car
C.Gr
ound
W.Sp
orts
Fish
-ing
Tra-
ckin
g
Mingora 2 1 1 - - - 1 1 - - - - -
Kalam 4 1 1 - - 1 - 1 - 1 1 1 1
Khawazakh
el
- 1 - - - - - - - - - - -
Uthrore - 1 - - - - - - 1 - - 1 1
usho - - - 1 - - - - - - - - -
Mahodand - - - 1 - - - - - - - - -
Kandaloda
nd
- - - 1 - - - - - - - - 1
Landake - - - - 1 1 - - - - - - -
Udegram - - - - 1 - - - - - - - -
Gokdara - - - - 1 - - - - - - - -
Mankial - - - - 1 1 - - - - - - -
Ghalegai - - - - - 1 - - - - - - -
Malam
Jaba
- - - - - - - - 1 - 1 - -
Total 6 4 2 3 4 4 1 2 2 1 2 2 3
Fig- 5-C
8.4 SHANGLA DISTRICT
Shangla is a relatively small district which has recently been
separated from Swat District. It is however an important district of
Malakand Region as, it links two important valley and trading routes of
national and international importance through Karakuram Highway
(KKH).With Alpuri as its capital, Shangla extends on both sides of the
road linking Khawazakhala in Swat valley and Besham along KKH.
Shangla Top is a beautiful place with considerable snow fall during
winter and cool breeze blowing during the remaining of the year.
Besham is actually located at a distance of not more than 2 hours of
descend from the Top. A large variety of transit facilities to the
tourists travelling on KKH are already provided at Besham, including
hotels, motels , restaurants and shopping areas. Therefore, no such
additional facility is proposed for Besham. However, a picnic spot and
a the restaurant is proposed to be located at the Top to cater for the
needs of the tourists stopping for a short while to enjoy the scenic
beauty of the surrounding area. Following facilities are proposed for
Shangla District which are also shown in Table-5 and Fig. 5-D.
A. Restaurant : 1
i. Shangla Top
B. Picnic Spot : 1
i. Shangla Top
Table -5:- Proposed Tourist Facilities in Shangla District by Location
and Type of Facility.
Restaurant Picnic Spot
i. Shangla Top 1 1
Total 1 1
Fig- 5-D
8.5 LOWER AND UPPER DIR DISTRICTS
Like other areas of Malakand Agency, Dir also has as important and
rich cultural and historic background dating back to the period of
Alexander the Great. While a Wali was ruling in Swat the ruler of Dir
was called a Nawab Who gained power before the British arrived in
this area.
After the abolishing of the state, Dir was established as a District
which has been very recently divided into lower Dir and Upper Dir.
Lower Dir extends from chakdara to Timergarah, whereas the
remaining part is included in Upper Dir.
Dir is accessible from Malakand Agency by a main road which leads to
Chitral after crossing the famous Loweri Pass . This main road at
Chakdara goes straight into Swat Valley and also turns left into Dir
after crossing River Swat at Chakdara.
Located close to Chakdara bridge overlooking Swat Valley from top of
a hill is the Churchill Picket. A post used by Sir Winston Churchill who
later become the British Prime Minister during World War-II, to report
on the Malakand Wars during the early years of his earner as news
reporter. Old ruins dating back in history are also located close to the
picket. Chakdara Museum and Chakdara Fort are other important
places at the small market town of Chakdara. Sir John Marshal was the
first archeologist who started excavations in and around this area and
unearthed many historic ruins and collected a large number of various
relics. Chak pat (chatpat) , and Noor Mahal at Uch Sharif are other
significate historic places. Keeping in view the facilities already
proposed in the vicinity and being the gateway to Dir and Chitral, a
Tourist Facilitation Centre is proposed to be located at Chakdara.
A road takes off after Chakdara towards Laram Sar, a beautiful spot
located on the top of the mountain separating Dir from Swat at this
place. Laram Sar has a great deal of potential to be developed as a
tourist attraction. It is proposed to develop Laram Sar into a picnic
spot and a motel is proposed here for this purpose. This motel will
include a restaurant. A cable car has also been proposed for Laram
Sar as a special tourist attraction.
Moving onwards to Timargarah after Talash a road takes off towards
left leading to the Bajaur Agency . A bridge has been provided here to
cross the river. A restaurant is proposed to be located here as a
decent eating and resting stop. Barcharai Top is also a beautiful and
attracting spot identified in the vicinity . It is proposed to locate a
motel and a picnic spot here.
Timergarah is the capital of lower Dir District and an important urban
settlement on the main Dir- Chitral Road. It also acts as transit stop
for the tourist traffic moving on this road. A number of substandard
tourist facilities already exist here. It is proposed to located a hotel, a
motel and a Tourist Facilitation Centre at Temirgarah to provide up to
standard and decent tourist services here.
A number of narrow but beautiful Valleys (Darras) are located in the
vicinity of Timergarah and between Timergarah and Dir proper. They
include Nehag Darra, Usherai Darra, Karo Darra and Toremang Darra
and Sheringal Darra. Sheringal is the largest and most beautiful of
them with Kumrat as an exceptionally beautiful place with extremely
cold climate. It is proposed to exploit and expose the enormous tourist
potential of these Valleys by providing a wide range if facilities here.
Picnic spots are proposed at appropriate and most suitable location in
Nehag Dara, Usherai Dara, Karo Dara Toremang Darra and Sheringal
Valley. In order to further strengthen the activity, restaurant are also
proposed to be located at Nahag Dara, Usherai Dara, and Kumrat in
Sheringal Valley . A motel is also proposed in Sheringal Valley most
probably at Kumrat. Taking into consideration the great deal to
potential of Sheringal valley, a camping ground is also proposed to be
located at an appropriate place. A cable car and skiing facility at
Kumrat are special proposed features.
Opposite of Sheringal valley, a road leads to the west into the
beautiful Barawal valley. It is proposed to also develop this valley as a
tourist attraction as Benshahi is a special point of interest for natural
beauty and beautiful scenery. It is proposed to develop two picnic
spots, one at a suitable place in Barawal and another at Benshahi with
restaurants at both location. Benshahi is also suitable for a cable car
or chair lift as added tourist attraction. A camping ground is also
proposed to be located at Benshahi to further enhance the proposed
tourist facilities.
Dir Town is the next important urban settlement after Timergarah on
the main Dir-Chitral Road. It has also been the seat of the
administration for Dir state and than for the Dir District for many
years. Now it is the capital of the Upper Dir District. Many tourist
facilities already exist in the city including hotels and restaurants. Tour
operators and, tour guides are also available. People hire jeeps from
here cross to Lowari Top to enter into Chitral. In order to strengthen
the existing facilities and to meet the future demand a hotel is
proposed to be located at Dir. Being the last important urban
settlement on route to Chitral and first one on the way back, a Tourist
Facilitation Centre is also proposed to be located here.
Gujar Post is the last human settlement en route to Chitral at the very
start of the Lowari Pass. Vehicles are normally stopped here to move
in coneys for safety purpose. A road side facility is proposed to be
located here to cater for the tourists during their short stay.
Lowari Top is an exciting transit point after a long and difficult journey
from Dir . Most tourists like to stop here for a while, relax and enjoy
the far and wide scenery. A make shift tent tea stall is presently
serving the tourists. It is proposed to provide an appropriate facility
like a restaurant here to cater for the tourists. One special feature of
the proposals made for Dir Districts is a Cable Car across the Lowari
Top to provide access to Chitral all year long. The feasibility of such a
facility need to be undertaken in details as a separate project
component.
In addition to the above proposed tourist facilities, the location,
topography and the natural environment is also suitable to provide
many tracking routes. One of them is proposed from Sheringal valley
in Dir to Uthrore in Swat and one from Kumrat to Chitral.
Following is the summary of the proposed tourist facilities in Dir, which
are also shown in Table-6 and Fig 5-E.
A. Hotels
: 2
i. Timergarah
ii. Dir
B. Motels
: 4
i. Laram Sar
ii. Barcharai Top
iii. Timergarah
iv. Kumrat
C. Restaurant
: 7
i. Talash
ii. Nehag Darra
iii. Usherai Darra
iv. Kumrat
v. Barawal
vi. Benshahi
vii. Lowari Top
D. Picnic Spot
: 9
i. Laram Sar
ii. Barcharai Top
iii. Nehag Darra
iv. Usherai Darra
v. Karo Darra
vii. Sheringal Valley
viii. Barawal
ix. Benshahi
E. Tourist Facilitation Centre
: 3
i. Chakdara
ii. Timergrah
iii. Dir
F. Roadside Facility
: 1
i. Gujar Post
G. Camping Ground
: 2
i. Shernigal Valley
ii. Benshahi
H. Cable Car
: 4
i. Laram Sar
ii. Kumrat
iii. Benshahi
iv. Lowari Top
I. Winter Sports
: 1
i. Kumrat
J. Tracking
: 2
i. Sheringal
ii. Kumrat
Table -6:- Proposed Tourist Facilities in Lower and Upper Dir Districts by Location and
Type of Facility.
Hotel Motel Restau
-rant
RSF Picnic
spot
TFC Cable
car
Campin
g
Trac-
king
W.sports
Timargarah 1 1 - - - 1 - - - -
Dir 1 1 - - - 1 - - - -
Talash - - 1 - - - - - - -
Nehag Dara - - 1 - 1 - - - - -
Usherai Dara - - 1 - 1 - - - - -
Sheringal - 1 - - 1 - - 1 2 -
Kumrat - - 1 - - - 1 - 1 1
Karo Dara - - - - 1 - - - - -
Barawal - - 1 - 1 - - - - -
Ben Shahi - - 1 - 1 - 1 1 - -
Gujar Post - - - 1 - - - - -
Barcharai Top - 1 - - 1 - - - - -
Chakdara - - - - - 1 - - - -
Laram Sar - 1 - - - - 1 - - -
Lowari Top - - 1 - - - - - - -
TOTAL 2 5 7 1 7 3 3 2 3 1
Fig- 5-E
8.6 CHITRAL DISTRICT
Located among one the highest mountain ranges of the world, Chitral
is perhaps the remotest district of Pakistan, which remains in-
accessible by surface for almost six months of the year. The relatively
difficult accessibility has kept it isolated for many countries.
Consequently the culture and social traits have witnessed little change
from the ancient times. The district is accessible from three routes;
firstly from Dir after crossing the Lowari Pass, secondly from Gilgit
through Shandoor Pass and thirdly from Afghanistan through Arandu.
All three routes are physically difficult passages. There are additional
and less used routes into and out of Chitral through as many as 62
passes (Darras). The first three have vehicular access, where for all
other routes , people travel on foot using mules to carry luggage and
goods.
Like Swat and Dir, Chitral was also a state till recently . While Swat
was ruled by a Wali and Dir was ruled by a Nawab, Chitral was ruled
by a Mehtar.
Chitral has an interesting history. It is said that Alexander the Great
conquered this territory and left a contingent of his Greek Army here.
The decedents of Greek origin are said to still occupy three narrow
valleys of Chitral known as Kalash or Kafirisitan. Their religion is
different than all other know religions . Kafirs, have a totally difficult
culture and society . The difficult access to these valleys and a
complete isolation have kept them living in a time capsule . The
western world discovered about them after the publishing of a book in
the late sixties, soon after which these valleys because one of the
main tourist attractions for foreign as well as domestic tourists.
The package of tourist facilities proposed for Chitral includes a variety
of facilities based on the potential and demand of each location.
After crossing into Chitral from Lowari Top the road makes a steep
descend and the zig zag road makes as many as 42 turns. This is a
suitable place to provide a Cable Car all the way upto a place called
Ziarat
Drosh is the first major settlement on way to Chitral . A number of
restaurants are located here but are mostly sub standards . A good
quality restaurant is proposed to be developed at Drosh to cater for
the tourists travelling on this route. Ayun is the next important
settlement along the main road. River Chitral, the gardens, bridge and
the settlement of Ayun provide the natural setting suitable for a picnic
spot at Ayun is also important being the gateway to the three valleys
of Kafristan. After crossing the bridge on River Chitral at Ayun and
passing through the settlement of Ayun, a narrow passage leads into
the valleys of Bhumburat and Rumbur. A number of small hotels
already exist in these valleys, however, keeping in view an increase in
the tourist traffic and demand, one motel in Bhamburat and one in
Rumbur have been proposed.
Chitral city is next after Ayun. The city is the capital of the district and
also the biggest urban settlement . A large number of tourist facilities
exist here. In order to meet the future demand, it is proposed to
provide at least three hotels one motel and one tourist hostel in
Chitral. A camping ground will provide a variety of accommodation
and will further supplement the provision . A Tourist Facilities Centre is
also proposed to be located here to provide necessary assistance to
the tourists . Tracking of Trichmir is a potential attraction for tourists,
which needs to be further developed.
After crossing Chitral city, a road on left side inters in a narrow valley
with high steep and straight mountains on both sides leads to another
tourist attraction of Garam Chashma (Hot Springs). On way to Garam
Chashma one finds beautiful spots on cross-valleys at Shoghor and
Mounio. Roadside Facilities have been proposed at both locations.
Garam Chashma is a green area with pleasant atmosphere. It is
proposed to develop a picnic spot and a restaurant at Garam
Chashma. The Garam Chashma road leads to Gobor Bakh, a pass to
cross into Badakhshan province of Afghanistan. The pass is used by a
significate number of travellers to cross into Afghanistan. A restaurant
is proposed to be located here to cater for the needs of the travellers.
The Chitral-Garam Chashma-Gobor Bakh route has an important role
to play in future after becoming an access to the Central Asian States
through Afghanistan. The proposal is already under consideration of
the Government of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajkistan.
Moving north from Chitral, Koghuzi, Reshun and Sarghoz are the major
settlements along the main road. Road side facilities are proposed at
each one of them. Buni is the next major settlement after Chitral.
Keeping in view the long journey from Chitral, it is proposed to locate
a hotel at Buni. Being a transit point, no other facility is proposed for
Buni. Bernis is a small settlement located on the junction along the
road between Buni and Mastuj. Most commuters stop here for a cup of
tea. A restaurant is proposed to be located here to provide quality
service.
Mastuj is perhaps the last major settlement on this road. At least two
hotels and a motel are proposed to be located at Mastuj. A Tourist
Facilitation Centre is also proposed to be provided here to cater for
the travellers between Chitral and Gilgit. This centre is also
anticipated to play an important role during the world famous
Shandoor polo Festival.
The narrow Laspur valley runs in south-east direction from Mastuj
which leads to Gilgit Agency after crossing the famous Shandoor Pass.
Harchin is a small settlement located almost in the centre of the valley
and has a great deal of potential for development. A hotel is proposed
to be provided here to carter for the needs of the travellers during the
normal season and for the tourists during the Shandoor Festival. A
road side facility is proposed at or close to Laspur, located the end of
the Laspur Valley before ascending to Shandoor Pass.
A vast plateau at the Shandoor Top and the Shandoor Lake provide a
beautiful, majestic and mystical natural environment. A polo festival is
held here every year during the month of March or April. This is known
to be the highest polo ground in the world. Tourists and dignitaries
from all over the world come to attend this week long festival. A
camping ground is proposed to be located close to the lake to provide
accommodation to the tourists during and off- the festival period. The
pass is also a popular tracking routes which needs to be further
planned and developed
Following is the summary of the tourist facilities proposed in Chitral
District, which are also shown is Table-7 and Fig. 5-F.
A. Hotels :
7
i. Chitral (3)
ii. Buni
iii. Mastuj (2)
iv. Harchin
B. Motel : 4
i. Bhumburat
ii. Rambur
iii. Chitral
iv. Mastuj
C. Restaurants :
4
i. Drosh
ii. Garam Chashma
iii. Gobor Bakh
iv. Bernis
D. Picnic Spot : 2
i. Ayun
ii. Garam Chashma
E. Tourist Hostel : 1
i. Chitral
F. T.F.C : 2
i. Chitral
G. Camping Ground : 2
i. Chitral
ii. Shandoor
H. Roadside Facilities :
6
i. Shoghor
ii. Mounio
iii. Koghuzi
iv. Reshun
v. Sarghoz
vi. Laspur
I. Tracking : 2
i. Shandoor
ii. Trichmir
Table -7:- Proposed Tourist Facilities in Chitral Districts by Location and Type of Facility.
Hotel Motel Restaurant RSF Picnic Spot TFC Cable car Camping
Chitral 3 1 - - - 1 - 1
Buni 1 - - - - - - -
Mastuj 2 1 - - - 1 - -
Harchin 1 - - - - - - -
Bumburat - 1 - - - - - -
Rumbur - 1 - - - - - -
Drosh - - 1 - - - - -
Garam
Chashma
- - 1 - 1 - - -
Gobor - - 1 - - - - -
Bernis - - 1 - - - - -
Shonoghor - - - 1 - - - -
Monri - - - 1 - - - -
Koghoozi - - - 1 - - - -
Reshun - - - 1 - - - -
Sarghoz - - - 1 - - - -
Sor Laspur - - - 1 - - - -
Ayun - - - - 1 - - -
Lowari Top - - - - - - 1 -
Shandoor - - - - - - - 1
TOTAL 7 4 4 6 2 2 1 2
Fig-5-F
9.PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS9.PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
The experience has revealed the fact that rational development is
necessarily based on integrated development. Development of a
particular sector needs a great deal of integration with the
development in a number of other sectors. Similarly, tourism
development can not be achieved in isolation and separation from
sectors including transportation and other basic urban services. A
tourism attraction with a great deal of potential is useless if not
accessible to the tourists, and same is the case with other basic urban
services like availability of drinking water, adequate sewerage
system, electricity, telephone etc.
With an aim to make this Master Plan more comprehensive and
practical, the existing infrastructure facilities have been assessed in
order to identify the deficiencies within the context of the proposals
made for the development of various tourism facilities in the previous
chapter. These proposed infrastructure facilities are also shown in
Fig.6-A, B, C, D, E and Fig.6-F at the end of this chapter.
9.1 ROADS
9.1.1Malakand Agency
The main Malakand road linking Swat, Dir and Chitral with rest of the
country passes through Malakand Agency which acts as gateway to
the whole area. Most of the proposed tourism facilities are either
located along the main road or are easily accessible to it. However,
the road to the proposed picnic spot and restaurant at Moora Hill and
another to the archeological site of Palai need improvement and
upgrading to serve the future tourists. Therefore, the proposed road
projects in Malakand Agency are as follows:
A. Road Improvement Projects
i. Main Road to Moora Hill
ii. Main Road to Palai
B. New Road Projects
Nil
9.1.2 Buner District
Buner District is also linked with the main road by another regional
road serving the district itself. Daggar is located at this road. Another
road leads to Ziarat Pir Baba Sahib in the north and is also a good
quality road. However, the section linking Ziarat to the proposed Picnic
Spot further north at a distance of about 2 kilometers needs
improvement. Similarly the road coming from Mardan via Shahbaz
Garhi and Totalai also needs improvement.
Mahaban valley is presently not accessible through a good quality
road. A new road section is proposed to make it accessible to the
tourists. The roads to the archeological sites of Ambela and Karapa
also need to be improved.
The proposed road projects in Buner are as follows:
A. Road Improvement Projects
i. Ziarat Haji Baba to proposed picnic spot
ii. Shahbaz Garhi- Totalai to Daggar
iii. Daggar to Ambela
iv. Daggar to Karapa
B. New Road Projects
i. Daggar to Mahaban Valley
9.1.3Swat District
The main valley road links Swat District with the rest of the country
through Malakand Pass. The road also provides direct access to most
of the tourist facilities both existing and planned. River Swat is
crossed at Mingora only through a bridge to link Saidu Sharif Airport
with city and also provide access to the Kabal golf course and hotel
complex. Another good quality road links Saidu Sharif with Marghozar.
However, the road linking Malam Jabba with the main road at
Manglour needs upgrading into a double lane single carriage.
The main Swat Road terminates at Kalam. The two roads, one linking
Kalam with Mahudand via Ushu and Matiltan and the other linking
Kalam with Kandalodand via Uthrore needs improvement and
upgrading.
The road projects proposed in Swat are as follows:
A. Road Improvement Projects
i. Manglour to Malam Jaba
ii. Kalam to Mahudand
iii. Kalam to Kandalodand
B. New Road Projects
Nil
9.1.4Shangla District
Shangla district is presently served by one main road only running
east-west and linking the two valleys of Swat at Khawazakhela and
Kohistan at Besham across the Shangla. The road needs considerable
amount of improvement and upgrading work to play a vital
communication role in future for the tourist movement in both Hazara
and Malakand Regions.
Therefore, the proposed road projects for Shangla are as follows:
A. Road Improvement Projects
i. Khawazakhela to Besham
B. New Road Projects
Nil
9.1.5Lower & Upper Dir Districts
Dir District are relatively behind other districts in the provision in
terms of adequate road network. Other than the main Dir-Chitral
Road, there are few roads providing access to the remote areas.
Taking into account the proposed tourism facilities, a new road is
required to provide adequate access to Laram Sar. Additionally, new
roads need to be built in Nehag Dara, Usherai Dara and Karo Dara and
Toremang Darra Top. There is need to provide adequate road link in
Barawal valley including Benshahi. A motel and other tourist facilities
to be located at Barcharai Top also need better communication
through road linkage.
The most important road link in Malakand Division is perhaps that of
Lowari Pass. This road remains closed for almost 6 months a year
due to snow fall and bad weather. A number of studies have been
carried out and considered at national and international level to find
out alternate routes/solutions. The work on Lowari Tunnel commenced
few years ago but the work was stopped after the completion of some
length of it and was never resumed. A alternate route is being
explored now and the feasibility studies are already in progress.
The proposed road projects in Dir Districts are as follows:
A. Road Improvement Projects
Nil
B. New Road Projects
i. Main Road to Laram Sar
ii. Main Road to Nehag Dara
iii. Main Road to Usherai Dara
iv. Main Road to Karo Dara
v. Main Road to Barcharai Top
vi. Main Road to Toremang Dara
vii. Main Road to Benshahi in Barawal valley
9.1.6Chitral District
Chitral is also served by a single major road providing access to most
of the settlements in the district. The good quality black top read till
recently existed upto Chitral only. However, the section from Chitral to
Bunni in the north have now been upgraded. This road needs to be
extended upto Mastuj and on word upto Shandoor.
The Garam Chashma road in west also needs to be upgraded upto
Gobor Bakh. The road from Ayun leading into the Kalash valley of
Bamburat and Rambur also need a great deal of improvement and
upgrading works.
The road projects proposed for Chitral are as follows:
A. Road Improvement Projects
i. Buni to Mastuj
ii. Mastuj to Shandoor
iii. Chitral to Garam Chashma to Gobor Bakh
iv. Ayun to Bamburat and Rambour
B. New Road Projects
Nil
9.2 WATER SUPPLY
9.2.1Malakand Agency
Water is already supplied to almost all the locations proposed as
tourism facilities. However, local water supply schemes are required at
Moora Hill and the archeological site of Palai to cater for the short
visits of tourists.
The details are as follows:
A. New Water Supply Schemes
i. Moora Hill
ii. Palai
B. Water Supply Improvement Schemes
Nil
9.2.2Buner District
Adequate water supply already exists in all the major settlement of
Buner District. However, local schemes need to be developed at
Karakar Pass, the proposed picnic spot 2 kilometers away from Ziarat
Pir Baba and Mahaban Valley.
The details are as follows:
A. New Water Supply Schemes
i. Karakar Pass
ii. Picnic Spot near Ziarat Haji Baba
iii. Mahaban Valley
B. Water Supply Improvement Schemes
Nil
9.2.3Swat District
A careful analysis of the existing conditions with regard to the
proposed tourist facilities has lead to the concision that no water
supply scheme is required in Swat except Usho, Mahodand, Uthrore
and Kandalodand, as follows.
A. New Water Supply Schemes
i. Usho
ii. Mahodand
iii. Uthrore
iv. Kandalodand
B. Water Supply Improvement Schemes
Nil
9.2.4Shangla District
Shangla Top is the only location where tourist facilities have been
proposed. There is no formal water supply system existing at the top.
The water supply projects for Shangla District are proposed as follows:
A. New Water Supply Projects
i. Shangla Top
B. Water Supply Improvement Projects
Nil
9.2.5Dir District
Considering he existing settlement pattern and the location of the
proposed tourist facilities, following sites have been identified where
proper water supply schemes will be required.
A. New Water Supply Schemes
i. Laram Sar
ii. Barcharai Top
iii. Sharingal Valley
iv. Nehag Darra
v. Osherai Darra
vi. Karo Dara
vii. Toremang Dara
viii. Barawal Valley
B. Water Supply Improvement Scheme
Nil
9.2.6Chitral District
Almost all the locations in Chitral where tourism facilities have been
proposed are situated in or close to the existing settlements, where
water is available in one form or the other. Therefore no water supply
projects have been proposed for Chitral.
9.3 SEWERAGE
Sewerage is an important aspect of human habitation. It is an
essential service for general cleanliness and healthy environment. The
only Urban settlement of significate size is Mingora, the headquarter
of the Malakand Region. The sewerage system in Mingora is already
going through a major improvement under the second Urban
Development Project (SUDP) which is funded by the urban
Development Bank. All other settlements in Malakand Region are
relatively small in size, generating small quantities of domestic and
commercial sewerage only, which do not pore serious sanitation
problem. Besides, almost all settlements are located in a hilly terrain
close of water courses available for quick sewerage disposal.
Therefore no sewerage scheme is proposed for locations where tourist
facilities are proposed to be located.
9.4 SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL
Solid waste collection and disposal is the most neglected aspect of the
civic life in the Region. The system has been provided to few major
settlements only and that also is extremely in efficient in terms of
coverage and level of service. All human settlements in the Region
invariably need to be included in this programme whether system
already exists and new arrangements need to be made. Therefore
adequate garbage collection and disposal system need to be provided
at all the locations in Malakand Region where the tourism facilities
have been proposed.
9.5 ELECTRICITY
Electricity has now become a basic necessity rather a sign of life. It is
required mainly where tourist accommodations for an overnight stay
have been proposed in the Master Plan. They include hotels, motels
and tourist hostels. Electricity is also required where the restaurants
have been proposed to be located.
There are mainly three sources from which the electricity is provided
in the Malakand Region. Firstly, through WAPDA grid network,
secondly from the small hydel power projects and thirdly small
thermal power plants operated by petrol or diesel.
9.5.1Malakand Agency
Electricity is provided in Malakand Agency by WAPDA, to almost all the
places where tourism facilities have been proposed, therefore no new
electrification project is proposed for Malakand Agency.
9.5.2Buner District
Buner is also connected to the Wapda network. However, the following
location will need to be provided with this facility.
i. Mahaban Valley
ii. Picnic spot north of Ziarat Haji Baba.
9.5.3Swat District
Swat is the most developed district in Malakand Region in terms of
electricity supply. Most of the places in Swat are enjoying this facility.
However, considering the proposed tourism facilities the following
location should be provided with this facility:
i. Usho Valley upto Malakand
ii. Athrore Valley upto Kandalodand
9.5.4Shangla District
The only tourist facility in Shangla District is proposed to be located at
the Top, where no electricity is available, therefore the requirement in
Shangla District is as follows:
i. Shangla Top
9.5.5Lower & Upper Dir Districts
The districts of Dir have been relatively not very lucky as the
development have been mainly concentrated on the settlements
located along the main Dir-Chitral Road. Electricity is made available
mostly to these settlements. However, the following locations where
tourism facilities have been provided need to be served by this
facility:
i. Laram Sar
ii. Barcharai Top
iii. Nehag Dara
iv. Usherai Dara
v. Karo Dara
vi. Toremang Dara
vii. Sheringal Valley
viii. Barawal Valley
ix. Benshahi
9.5.6Chitral District
Most of the settlements located along the main Chitral Road have
electricity either from WAPDA, small hydle projects or by diesel
generators in the private sector. However, the following locations
where tourism facilities have been proposed need to be provided with
this facility.
i. Kalash Valleys of Bumburat and Birir
ii. Garam Chashma
iii. Buni
iv. Mastuj
v. Harchin in Laspur Valley
9.6 TELEPHONE
Once a luxury, telephone has become a necessity of modern life. It
become more important if considered in the context of the modern
technologies available at the turn of the century. It not the foreign
tourists, but the domestic tourists certainly like to stay in touch with
their families, friends and business concerns. The difficult accessibility
to some parts of the Region makes at even more essential a service.
9.6.1Malakand Agency
Malakand Agency is well convected by telephone with the rest of the
country, therefore no additional facility has been proposed.
9.6.2Buner District
A single line telephone exchange occupying a single room is located in
Daggar. This facility needs to be upgraded into a multi lane exchange
in order to facilitate the local population as well as the visitors.
9.6.3Swat District
Mingora is convected with the Nation wide Dialing (NWD) network and
most of the other settlements are convected to the rest of the country
through Mingora. However, keeping in view the further role of Kalam
in the tourism sector, it is proposed to located another (NWD)
telephone exchange at Kalam to connected the far away places like
Usho, Matiltan and Uthrore with Kalam.
9.6.4Shangla District
Keeping in view the limited tourism facilities proposed in Shangla, no
telephone facility has been proposed for Shangla District.
9.6.5Lower & Upper Dir Districts
Main telephone facilities presently are available at Timergarah and
Dir, however, both of them need considerable upgrading and
expansion in view of the future tourist traffic in the area.
It is further proposed to extend the facility to Kumrat is Sheringal
Valley and to Ben Shahi in Barawal Valley.
9.6.6Chitral District
Chitral is also linked by the NWD system with the rest of the country.
However, the facility needs to be extended to Garam Chashma, Buni
and Mastuj.
Fig- 6-A
Fig- 6-B
Fig- 6-C
Fig- 6-D
Fig- 6-E
Fig- 6-F
10. PROPOSED CIVIC AMENITIES10. PROPOSED CIVIC AMENITIES
Civic amenities essential for tourism activities include appropriate
security arrangements (police), post offices, Health Facilities, Banks
and shopping area. Each one of them has been discussed and
proposed as under, and shown in Fig 7- A, B, C, D, E, and F, at the end
of this chapter.
10.1 POLICE
Security to the life and belongings of the tourists is one of the most
important factor for the promotion and development of tourism in any
area. Police presence is essential as a curative as well as preventive
measure. The mere presence of police personnel may avert many
untoward incidents.
There are both relatively safe and relatively unsafe areas in Malakand
Region. The areas along the main traffic routes are normally safe.
Areas already established as tourism area, where tourist traffic is
more are also considered to be safe. Swat and Chitral are generally
considered to be safe. However, nothing is certain in this regard as
some well known incidents have taken place recently at very well
known places. They include indiscriminate firing on visitors to Malam
Jaba, kidnapping and rape of women relatives of the D.C Swat at
Kalam and booting of 4 flying coaches as Lowari Top. All these
happened during 1996. Therefore, there is strong need to strengthen
the prevailing securing arrangements and to adopt additional
measures in this regard. following are the proposed locations where
enhanced security arrangements are required in Malakand Region.
i. Karakar Top-Buner
ii. Mahaban - Buner
iii. Malam Jaba
iv. Kalam
v. Mahodand
vi. Uthrore
vii. Kandalodand
viii. Laram Sar- Dir
ix. Barcharai Top
x. Sheringal Valley
xi. Nehag Dara, Usherai Dara, Karo Dara, and Toremang Dara- Dir
xii. Barawal Valley
xiii. Gujar Post- Dir
xiv. Garam Chashma- Chitral
xv. Mastuj
xvi. Laspur Valley- Chitral
10.2 POST OFFICES
The whole of Malakand Region is very well served by the postal
services , including the remote area. Keeping in view the existing
coverage of area, level of service and the future needs, no additional
facilities have been proposed for the area.
10.3 HEALTH FACILITIES.
Availability of emergency health care facility in time is another
essential requirement for tourism activity . A number of health
facilities of varying levels both in public and private sectors are
available in the Region, ranging from the Districts Headquarter
Hospitals to Basic Health Units (BHU) and Rural Health Centre (RHC).
However, additional health facilities are proposed for the following
locations.
i. Mahaban -Buner
ii. Usho- Mahodand
iii. Athrore- Kandolodand
iv. Sheringal Valley- Dir
v. Barawal Valley- Dir
vi. Mastuj- Chitral
vii. Laspur Valley- Chitral
10.4 BANKS
The availability of banking services are another essential requirement
for tourist to exchange the foreign currency, to encase the travellers
cheque and transfer money in case of the need of extra cash.
Various commercial banks are located in almost all the important
towns and settlements both in urban as well as rural areas.
Additionally some standard hotels also provide this facility, therefore
no additional facilities have been proposed in this regard.
10.5 SHOPPING AREAS.
Two types of shopping are done by the tourists. Firstly, the shopping
of personal items of daily use including toiletries and eatables.
Secondly, tourists like to shop around the souvenirs reflecting the local
culture, customs and traditions. They mainly include the handicrafts
manufactured locally. The shopping areas of reasonable quality and
variety exist in almost all the major settlements of the division.
Additionally, few shops also exist in the shopping arcades of standard
hotels. Therefore no additional facility has been proposed in this
regard.
Fig- 7-A
Fig- 7-B
Fig- 7-C
Fig- 7-D
Fig- 7-E
Fig- 7-F
11. TRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATION
While the other tourism and tourism related facilities are more
site/location specific, transportation generally and mostly is
considered in a much wider context at national, regional and local
basis. It is therefore studied, analyzed and proposed as a separate
sector of activity.
Transportation in general can be divided into three categories for the
area under study.
- By air
- By rail
- By road
11.1.AIR TRANSPORT
There are two airports for regular commercial flights located in
Malakand Region. The Saidu Sharif Airport located at Mingora
services, the Malakand Agency, Buner District, Swat District, Shangla
Districts, and also the Dir Valley. The other airport located at Chitral
mainly serves the entire Chitral District. While, the flights operating to
and from Saidu Sharif airport operate regularly, it is not so in case of
flights to Chitral. Through, there is a daily flight to Chitral from
Peshawar, it heavily depends or the whether condition throughout its
flight path, therefore, the flights to Chitral are extremely irregular and
uncertain. Air traffic in general and tourist traffic in particular is badly
affected due to this reason. The air link becomes more important
when the road link is disconnected due to the heavy snow fall on
Lowari Top and the subsequent land slides. On average the road link
stay disconnected for almost 6 months a year.
Most of the tourists desperately wishing to visit Chitral and having
very limited vacation time can not afford to keep waiting for a flight to
operate, and therefore have to cancel there programme to visit
Chitral.
11.2 RAIL TRANSPORT
Pakistan Railways has a line extended from Nowshera and Mardan to
Dargai in Malakand Agency. The difficult mountainous terrain of the
rest of the Region does not allow to built a line economically.
Therefore, the rail link does not play a significant role in the
transportation of goods and people in Malakand Region.
11.3 ROAD TRANSPORT
There are commonly two sectors of transport by road, which are as
follows.
a) Private transport
b) Public transport
Various modes of transport available in the region are as follows.
i) Buses
Buses operate all along the main Malakand Road from Malakand in the
south upto Kalam in the north in Swat Valley. Bus service is also
available from Malakand to Timergarah in Dir. Other modes of
transport are used in the remaining areas of the Region.
ii) Flying Coaches
18 to 20 seater flying coaches also operate from Malakand to Kalam
and to Dir. They also operate to Dagger in Buner, Khawazakhela to
Alpuri and Besham in Shangla. Flying coach also operate from Dir to
Chitral city.
iii) Suzuki Vans
Suzuki vans are available to commute to the smaller towns/villages off
the main roads in the relatively plain areas of Malakand.
vi) Jeeps
4- Wheel drive, 8 to 10 seater jeeps operate in the difficult areas of
the Region which include the area from Kalam to Usho, Valleys of Dir
and Chitral. The jeeps are hired for a single journey, around trip or on
daily basis.
v) Rent-a-Car
Two types of rent-a-car service is available only in the big cities of the
Region. One is provided in a formal way through the rent-a-car
companies and the other is through the individual car owners
stationed at a few designated locations in the cities.
vii) Taxis
Yellow cabs are also available only in the big cities of the Region. In
principle they are supposed to be metered, but normally they are not
and the fare is negotiated.
viii) Rickshaw
Two seater auto rickshaws are available for short journeys within the
urban areas of few major cities. They are also supposed to be
metered but normally the fare is negotiated.
vix) Horses and Mules
In areas where vehicular movement of any sort is not possible horses
and mules are available to carry the goods and tourists. They normally
operate in Darras of norther Swat, Dir and high mountains of Chitral.
11.4 TRANSPORT RELATED PROBLEMS
Although some mode of transport is available at most of parts of the
Region, the whole system needs a great deal of improvement due to a
number of problems, some of them are as follows.
i) Poor condition of vehicles
The general condition of the buses, coaches or jeeps in terms of level
of service, luxury and comfort is very poor as compared to those
available in Europe or other developing countries like Thailand,
Malaysia and Korea.
ii) Overcrowding
The buses, coaches and almost all modes of transport are heavily
overloaded during the peak tourist reason.
iii) Lack of control on Fares
There is no strict central on the fare practice, especially by the rented
vehicles including private rent-a-car service and rented jeeps. Taxis
and rickshaws also charge exorbitant fares during the peak tourist
season and odd hours of the day.
iv) Poor condition of Terminal Facilities
The general conditions of the bus/coach terminals and the wagon/taxi
stands are extremely poor.
v) Lack of regular service
The operations generally depend upon the will of the transporter or
the driver and there are no fixed routes or timings of operation. In
some of the remote areas no transport whatsoever is available after
the sun set.
11.5 MASTER PLAN PROPOSALS
Following proposals have been made to improve the tourist
transportation in the Region.
i) Improvement in Private Transport Operations
STC should coordinate with the NWFP Ministry of Transport, private
transporters, tour operators and the drivers associations to being
about radical changes in the existing transportation system. A more
practical policy should be prepared to give a monitoring role to STC.
ii) STC Tourist Transport
It is strongly recommended for STC to operate a tourist transport in
the Region, comprised of tourist coaches. The operation should
commence with at least 10 coaches owned and operated by STC.
Additional coaches should be rented on lease from the private sector.
A joint venture with the private transporters can be achieved in which
the private transport can operate under the STC management.
iii) Improvement in Fare Policy
A more rational fare policy should be implemented which stays stable
during all conditions.
iv) Improvement of Terminal
Facilities
Transport terminals should be located at appropriate sites and general
condition of the transport terminals including waiting areas, toilets
and booking offices should be improved.
v) Improvement of Air Transport.
Improvement in the air transport, especially to Chitral is desperately
required . It is proposed to make necessary arrangement so that it is
possible to fly a Boeing airport than a Fokkar only. Boeing has a better
sustainability and stability in bad weathers . Necessary arrangements
also need to be made at Chitral airport for the purpose.
vi) Alternate routes across Lowari Pass.
There is an urgent need to discover an alternate route to Chitral
across Lowari Pass which can remain open even during the snow
falling months of winter.
vii.) Cable Car across Lowari Pass.
It is proposed to provide a cable car link from Gujjar Post in Dir to
Ziarat in Chitral as an alternate mode of transport which can not only
remain open during winter, it will also be a tremendous tourist
attraction. However, the gigantic size of the project requires special
feasibility studies to assess, the technical, economical and physical
aspects of the project,
12. ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT12. ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT
12.1 THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Malakand Division comprises of some of the highest and most famous
mountain ranges including the Hindukush and Karakuram. Therefore,
the area is mostly mountainous bisected and intersected by a large
number of wide, narrow, big and small Valleys. The area towards
south is mostly foot hills of the mountains. These mountains also form
definite physical boundaries of the Region. The largest of these valley
are the Chitral Valley, Dir Valley and the Swat Valley. The are three
major rivers flowing in the Region. River Swat in Swat Valley, River
Panjkora in Dir Valley and River Yarkhun or Chitral in Chitral Valley.
These are other numerous channels and streams flowing within the
Region which actually are the tributaries of the big rivers. The other
striking feature of the Region are a large number of Passes (Darras)
acres the mountains, some of which are very high in altitude and
some others are very famous. Chitral Valley for example has more
than 60 passes on its periphery. The famous passes are the Malakand
Pass, Lowari Pass, Shandoor Pass and Gobor Bakh Pass.
The specific topographic features, lofty mountains, green dense
forests, Valleys, rivers and lakes make this Division more specific case
for the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study, as these
ecosystems are more fragile to human activities, including tourism
facilities. It presents a good case study for EIA, and a proven situation
where an unplanned tourism facility can cause an ecological disaster ,
the deforestation of Dir is a case in point.
12.2 TOURISM FACILITIES.
A large number of various tourism facilities have been proposed in this
Master Plan to be located at a large number of sites scattered all over
the Region. Some needed infrastructure facilities and civic amenities
have also been proposed in order to complement the development
process.
12.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT.
The EIA study has become an essential component of all
developmental activities (pure economic, social, recreational) . Any
economic growth model or tourism development model must be
woven around people and their environment. Several types of human
activities in the name of economic development and growth in fact,
result with the passage of time, in environment dilemma. Tarbela and
Warsak dams are two examples of environment disruption. The
environmental problems are some what insidious: there are serious
impediments to public comprehension ( even those desk and so-called
experts and policy makers fail to understand) the full nature of the
environmental dilemma. Environment degradation is a global problem.
No nation is an island (separated from the rest of the world) unto
itself regarding environmental affairs. Whatever benefits from
environmental health and regeneration one country and one people
eventually get, would benefits all humanity.
Environmental problems and their solutions are of recent origin. In the
1992 Rio Environment Summit, the heads of states used the term
sustainable development that lasting economic growth and human
welfare depend on a healthy environment.
Environmental problems are misunderstood by the public and policy
makers both. How environmental hazards affect man, his
environmental and resources, and that how to maintain an
environmental health without affecting the economic growth models:
economic growth is pitting against environment and vice-versa if
both are not properly balanced. This situation has been a headache
for the policy makers through out the world.
12.4 THE NATURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
Environmental problems may be simple, or complex as follows.
12.4.1 Simple Environmental problems
A simple environmental problem consists of a small number of
components of one, or a few types in one hierarchical level, typically
caused accidently, or short term deviation from normal equilibrium
state; normal human experience allows for an appropriate action. A
clear-cut consensus exists for the solution of these problems, as no
interest group is involved. The best examples are the littered
beaches and tourist spots. The polluters are tourists drivers and their
vehicles. The rubbish is mostly shoes, sandals, plastic containers,
plastic bags etc. The biological natural degrading process fails to
degrade such rubbish even in decades. The petroleum based waste
from the vehicles may also destroy the water bodies, resulting in the
destruction of aquatic life.
12.4.2 Complex Ennivonmental Problems
A complex environmental problem exists when a large number of
components with two, or more hierarchical levels are involved. The
problem is caused by sustained and deep rooted dysfunction of one,
or more system components. Conflict of interest exists because of the
defective perception to the most appropriate probable solution.
Normal human experience in one life time (around 60 years), and
small number of places does not allow for solution of the problem.
Even if the problem is completely understood, the interest groups
sabotage the solution of the problem, including illegal payment to the
concerned authority. Some of the examples are the pesticide
conspiracy, and its associated environmental hazards. There are 4
hierarchical levels which are involved in pesticide conspiracy: 1.
Pesticide industry; 2. Ministry of agriculture; 3. Pesticide dealers, and
4. Farmers.
12.4.3 Problem Complexity
The pesticide industry in league with the ministry of agriculture
educate the farmers to use and use more pesticides. The pesticide
dealers push the sale of the products. The farmers are unhappy due to
cost and no efficacy of the product. Similar examples are in transport
and manufacturing industries.
12.5 ECOSYSTEM BEHAVIOR AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
Environmental problems are confusing. Long sequences of
components connected by cause-effect pathways such that it will not
be apparent to most observers where the causes originate and effects
terminate. For example, the fishermen have been complaining that
their fish catch between Tarbela dam and Attock bridge have been
decreasing . Here the causes are perhaps several : fish diseases,
chemical waste from Gadoon industries etc. No reliable data exists in
this regard. Likewise, there are 1900 pesticide dumps in Pakistan.
One such dump lies (partially removed) at the back of police public
school near the Secondary Board area on Jamroud Road, Peshawar.
The question is : do we really comprehend the effect ?
The natural and man-made ecosystems have special basic
characteristics:
12.5.1 Time Lags.
Time lags and cumulative effects are very important in studying EIA.
A complication in many environments develops in the cause-effect
systems which exhibits time lags: an effect may appear some time
after the cause that gave rise to it was operating, but also an effect
now may be produced not just by a cause 5 years ago, but by the sum
of all the causes operating between 5 and 10 years ago. One of the
clear cut examples of such cumulative effects occurs when the
cumulative assault of environmental pollution on human organisms
finally triggers cancer. The effects of pollutants (causative agents) now
existing in Peshawar City area will appear after quite some time and
not now. This is the enigma of environmental problem. The enigmatic
nature of environmental problems further complicates their solution.
12.5.2 The Policy Implication.
The policy implication of cumulative effects and time lags is that it
may be difficult to mobilize a constituency (i.e.; public figures,
bureaucrats, and politicians) to deal with this lagged and cumulative
effect. The reason being that it is not clear in their minds that there is
a connection between a cause operating long ago and an effect
occurring now. Even in our scientific community it is difficult to make
the case really convincing. There are numerous examples in this
regard including in the sectors of agriculture, industries, and
transport.
In addition to the time lags and cumulative effects, ecosystems have
thresholds. Environmental thresholds are found every where, rather
the whole of Pakistan is almost at the negative environmental
threshold: all our habitats, natural and man-made are used above
their carrying capacity which means they are at the threshold of
negative environmental impact.
The following indicators are necessary to be considered when
analyzing the data for EIA study.
A. Biological
The following 3 components are important in this respect.
i. Vegetation
Some of the tourism facilities proposed in the Master Plan comprise
hotels, motels, restaurants, picnic spots, camping grounds, fishing and
boating. These facilities will definitely cause environmental disruption
in the form of localized deforestation, erosion and pollution, as the
flora of these habitats consists of a variety of plant and grass species:
Scrub grasses, deodar, fir, alpine, subalpine, pastures, lichens and
grasses. The increase in tourist number along with their vehicles to
the proposed tourism facilities will cause environmental disruption.
The one plus point here is the seasonality factor of the tourism
facilities in districts of Swat, Dir and Chitral, which would have a
mitigative and regenerative effect on the concerned ecosystems.
ii. Wild Life
Malakand Division has a large variety in topography and climate.
Consequently, it has a diverse type of flora, and hence, a diverse type
of wild life fauna. Some of the major wild life reported in and around
the proposed tourism facilities are as under:
Mammals. Grey languor; Rhesus monkeys; Himalayan Ibex; (musk
deer) Urial (wild sheep); snow leopard; common leopard; black bear;
brown bear.
Birds:Snow partridges; Himalayan snow cock; and many others.
iii. Aquatic life
The EIA study of aquatic life would concentrate mainly on fishing;
commercial and sports. Some of the water sports including boating,
fishing and rafting would have a negative impact on the aquatic
habitat which in turn, would negatively affect the normal fish
population. This is in addition to the rubbish, eroded matter etc. which
would end up in the water, further deteriorating its quality and
endangering aquatic life.
B. Physical indicators
i. Surface water
Danger to the surface water would accrue due to the unscrupulous
behavior of the tourists by improperly throwing the oily discharges of
their vehicles in the proposed tourist facilities. The resultant
pollutants mainly plastic bags and sandals etc. would cause a
negative impact on the ecosystems in and around the tourist facilities.
Ending up of eroded matter in surface water would also be a cause of
concern.
ii. Ground Water
The ground water will be affected by the tourism facilities, resulting in
sub-standard, or non-standard quality of ground water. However, this
negative impact could be easily avoided or mitigated by a modern
solid waste disposal system, and good drains via public health
engineering, and high standard of maintenance in the proposed tourist
facilities. Therefore, surface and ground water would be saved from
the pollution and safe drinking water will be available.
iii. Air Quality
Vehicular traffic and organic waste would be major source of air
pollution, as the diesel transport tendency is on increase, plus poor
vehicle maintenance. However, the thin local population, vast expanse
of the area and the green mountainous habitats would avoid or
mitigate any negative impact on the air quality. Therefore, air quality
will not be disturbed by the proposed tourist facilities.
iv. Erosion
Erosion of the concerned ecosystems would be a cause for the
negative impact of tourist facilities. The people and their vehicles
would erode the ecosystems because the tourist facilities have been
proposed on fragile ecosystems. The erosion problem would be
exacerbated by the raindrops. The raindrops fallings with force on
ground; hilly semi hilly, mid-hill sandy habitats (as opposed to plains
of D.I.Khan) would loosen the eroded, or semi-eroded ecosystems,
and thus the eroded matter would be carried along and flown with
water. However, this situation would be avoided, or the negative
impact may be mitigated by constructing and properly maintaining
flood water drains. Such drains are therefore essential.
v. Noise Pollution
The effect of noise (unwanted sound) on the ecosystems of the
proposed tourism facilities would be insignificant because of the more
sound absorptive capacity of the hilly ecosystem (as opposed to the
plain areas where sound travels fast) where the sound is rarely or
slightly reflected. Therefore, noise pollution in this vast expanse
ecosystem will not be above the human tolerance level.
vi. Pollution
Pollution of the ecosystems would be associated with the
establishment of proposed tourist facilities. The tourist throw away
rubbish (mostly non-biodegradable plastics), oily discharge of
vehicles, localized deforestation, erosion etc. all would cause a
negative impact on the ecosystems and their inhabitants. It is
therefore proposed to be vigilant in selecting specific site for a
particular tourist facility and the design, construction etc. must be
positioned and maintained properly. In this way the negative impact
would be mitigated, or partially avoided.
C. Human Use
The quality and quantity of the benefits which would accrue,
concomitantly, must also be taken into consideration, which are as
follows.
i. Transport
The transport facilities are very important and must be considered in
the context of local road transport system prevailing in the Region,
which include buses, flying coaches, horses & mules, jeeps and
rickshaws. Their stops, stations, on the way to and from tourism
facilities would also be beneficial to the local community in order to
mitigate their existing transport problems. The road projects identified
and proposed in the Master Plan would facilitate inter-and intra-
provincial travelling of the local community.
ii. Power Supply
The power supply projects proposed in the Master Plan are small scale
thermal power generation. The supply of such power to the local
community will change their life style and living standard will be
improved.
iii. Land Use
With the introduction of tourism facilities and roads (in some places)
mini-markets will develop for the fresh vegetables and fruits which
would be marketed at high prices. Therefore, the proposed tourist
facilities would act as incentive to farm small pieces of land (1/8th of
an acre even ) and terrace fields with little amount of water, and grow
vegetable and fruits. Thus, the people would be encouraged for
farming and use land in small pieces. This would be economically
beneficial to the local community.
iv. Agriculture
As a result of the tourist facilities, road and transport system would be
improved and it would be easy for the small scale farmers to transport
their farm perishable produce to inter-district markets in Malakand
Division, and fetch reasonable price. Transport at the right time has
been expressed as a serious problem by a large number of small
scale farmers. This is in addition to the local mini-markets of farm
produce that would develop as a result of the proposed tourist
facilities in the concerned area.
D. Quality of Life
The tourist facilities proposed in the Master Plan would have a positive
impact on the quality of life in several ways. Some of the indicators
that could run through the tourist facilities impact are as under.
i. Socio-Economic
The effect on the life of local community in terms of the socio
economic conditions would be positive as a result of the proposed
tourist facilities in the area. It would improve their living. There would
be fruit, vegetable, sweats and cigarette vendors at various localities
where the tourist facilities are proposed. A kind of local mini-market
would develop for trading and transaction on small scale. This
business and trading activity would affect their economic life and also
the social interaction with tourists would widen their knowledge with
more options opened.
ii. Employment
The tourist facilities would attract local, domestic as well as foreign
tourists. The skills and management that would be needed for
managing the proposed tourism facilities in Malakand division would
be easily available locally. Therefore, the local people would get
employment in the operation, management and maintenance of the
proposed tourist facilities. This would be a great help in reducing
unemployment in the employment-starved area of the Malakand
division.
iii. Social Values
No social, religious, aesthetic, archaeological, historical, pure taboos,
or rituals would be offended by establishing the proposed tourist
facilities at identified and selected sites in Hazara division.
iv. Public Health.
All levels of public health facilities (primary secondary, and even
tertiary) are generally available to the people of Malakand division,
except the remote areas of Chitral Valley. Therefore, very few public
health facilities have been proposed in the Master Plan. The improved
road and transport facilities as proposed in some places would help
the local community to transport their patients in time to the public
health facilities and the patients will not succumb to bleeding before
reaching such health facilities .
v. Nutrition
Lack of the proper nutrition is a general problem in Pakistan, more so
in the proposed study area, mostly in some parts of the Dir and
Chitral Valleys. By improving the socio-economic conditions,
employment opportunities etc. as a result of the proposed tourist
facilities, the local community would have more options , and hence
there might be a change in their life style and traditional sources of
nutrition, leading towards an improvement in their nutrition situation.
vi. Communication
The communication facilities already exist in the Region, which are
not far away from the inter-district and inter-province communication
links. However, the Master Plan has proposed the establishment of
telephone exchange facilities in some parts of, which would further
facilitate the communication in the area.
12.6 THE E.I.A RESULTS
The EIA analysis indicates the following.
i. The positive impacts of the proposed tourism facilities in the
selected sites of Hazara division are far more in quantity and
quality than the negative ones.
ii. Pollution and erosion of the fragile ecosystems would be the
major problems.
iii. Localized deforestation on a small scale may result in habitat
erosion.
12.7 THE E.I.A RECOMMENDATIONS
i. Site selection for tourism facilities around the dams may be
given a second thought, as water resources( natural and man-
made) are very sensitive to ecological disruption.
ii. Flood water drains are essential in some places.
iii. Full time sanitary inspectors or caretakers must be employed to
look after the cleanliness and environmental health of the area
where the tourism facilities have been proposed.
iv. Retaining walls may be needed in some places to avoid
flood water erosion of the ecosystems.
13. ROLE OF PRIVATE SECTOR13. ROLE OF PRIVATE SECTOR
Private sector in a larger context in tourism sector comprises of two
sets of population:
a) The Community, and
b) The Private investors
Therefore the role of the private sector has been ascertained and
envisaged in both the aspects, as follows.
13.1 COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
It has now been increasingly recognized that community plays a
significant and important role in the sustainable success of the
projects which mainly depend on the community participation during
as well as after the implementation.
It has also been recognized now that community participates in the
projects either directly or indirectly, the role may be as owner, as user
or as facilitator. Specifically speaking with regards to tourism,
community has many opportunities to contribute into various activities
related especially with the services industry. Consultants have carried
out a survey in order to ascertain and asses the social and cultural
acceptability of tourism in the region and also to explore various
modes of participation by the community in general. The results of the
survey are as follows:
Level of education of the respondent is normally a strong indication of
his opinion. Out of all the respondents surveyed 56% were metric,
19% were intermediate and 25% had no formal education. The survey
shows a fair coverage of educated as well as non-educated persons in
the study area. Professional status of a person to a great deal is
reflected in the opportunities available to him for recreation. Out of
the total respondents as much as 50% were engaged in business,
20% were government servants and another 30% were either
employed or working in the private sectors. The survey results reveal
a 100% acceptance of tourists coming for visit to the areas of tourism
potential. People generally feel comfortable and welcome such an
activity. It is generally accepted by almost everybody in the study
area that tourism is an income generating activity. As shown in the
survey results 100% of the respondents have expressed this view.
There is a unanimous opinion about the willingness to participate in
various activities involved in the tourism activities as 100% of the
respondents have expressed their willingness in this regard. In
response to the question as to how the participation of the
communities will be achieved, as much as 69% were interested in
some kind of business opportunity through their own investment,
whereas another 19% were seeking better employment opportunities.
Only 12% were willing to participate but have no clear idea about the
mode of participation.
13.2 PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT
Private sector in Hazara Region is already making a significate
contribution by investment in the tourism and tourism related
activities, as most of the hotels, motels, restaurants, transport etc. are
owned and operated by the private sector. It is now widely recognized
and accepted that the private sector has the greatest potential to
further invest into the tourism and tourism related activities. This role
of private investment may take one of the following two forms.
a) Investment by the private sector alone as individuals or
entrepreneurs.
b) Investment in collaboration with STC as joint venture. The
modes operandi of the joint venture will however, mainly
depends on the terms and conditions and the acceptability by
both the parities. One thing is certain that the funding has to be
made by the private investors keeping in view the limited or no
capacity of STC in this regard. However, STC may contribute in
terms of incentives offered for the operation and location of the
investment and also in terms of management of the facilities. In
simple terms private sector contributes in cash and STC
contributes in kind. It is however, extremely vague and naive to
the already identify the terms and conditions of any such joint
venture at this stage. STC has to deal with each individual case
separately in order to achieve a practical formula to each
specific case.
The following proposals have been specifically made by the
consultants in this regard.
i) Preparation of Feasibility Studies
It is proposed that STC should prepare feasibility studies for all the
projects clearly showing the nature of the project, its location, capital
cost, operation & maintenance cost and amount of annual profit
expected from the project. The copies of feasibility studies should be
kept in STC office and made available to the interested parties for
their review and study. Further negotiations may take place if the
party is interested in any specific project.
ii) Holding of Investors Workshop
STC should arrange a workshop at an appropriate time and place to
brief the potential investors regarding the STC projects requiring
private investment. All the members of provincial and national
assemblies from NWFP, industrialists, hoteliers and land lords should
be invited to this workshop. Memorandums of understanding (MOU'S)
should be signed at the end of the workshop with the interested
parties and further negotiations should be held to clearly chalk out the
terms and conditions of the investment.
iii) Press advertisements
STC should advertise in the local and national press about each
specific project available for private investment. Negotiations should
take place about the detailed terms and conditions of the investment
with financially sound and reliable parties, after careful selection.
iv) Formal and Informal Contacts
STC in its own capacity may establish formal as well as informal
contacts with known potential investors in the private sector, invite
them for a detailed discussion on selected STC projects and negotiate
terms and conditions of the proposed investment.
14. PROPOSED MARKETING AND PROMOTION14. PROPOSED MARKETING AND PROMOTION
PLANPLAN
The success or failure of any product to a great deal depends on its
marketing and promotion . The importance of good marketing and
promotion is fully recognized in the present day world. A
comprehensive and integrated campaign both at intensive and
extensive scales is an essential prerequisite for the success of tourism
industry in the Region. It requires to make use of the latest and
innovative marketing and promotion techniques including satellites
and computers. A futuristic approach need to be adopted for this
purpose.
The marketing of the tourist attractions located in the Region need to
be carried out both at home as well as abroad, as follows ;
14.1 DOMESTIC LEVEL.
Recreation and sight seeing is a very personal and social altitude. It is
strongly linked with the political and economic conditions prevailing at
one point in time. Domestic tourism has gained enormous momentum
during the recent years due to the improvements in the level of
education and socio economic conditions. However, it still needs a
great deal of information, motivation, guidance and incentives to
attract the people for tourism. The marketing needs to approach the
general public at large including all segments of population. The
domestic tourism market covers the whole country extending from
Karachi to Peshawar, including all the metropolitan cities as well as
small settlements. Most tourists arrive in groups of individuals,
families, students etc. The following techniques are proposed to be
applied for this purpose.
14.1.1 PRINT MEDIA
As a result of the survey of tourists carried out by the consultants, it is
revealed that one of the most common source of information for the
tourists are books and other literature.
Print media includes newspapers, magazines, books, booklets,
brochures, leaf lets and press advertisements. The literate of the
society are approached through this print media. STC needs to print
and publish material promoting individual potential sites located
within the Region through brochures, booklets and leaflets. These are
normally complementary copies supplied free of charge. The major
outlets are all the major hotels, restaurants, tourism offices, travelling
agents and tour operators. Magazines and books need to be printed
and published for sale through outlets stated above. Introductory
features need to be published in the national dailies and widely
circulated magazines.
Additionally, it is proposed that a quarterly magazine should be
published by STC . This 10 page foolscap size magazine should supply
information regarding the upto date and recent developments taking
place in tourism sector within NWFP and also news about other
tourism corporations in Pakistan together with international tourists
news. A separate cell within STC need to be created for this purpose.
Some of the names suggested for this magazine are as follows.
- STC News
- The Tourist Times
- The Tourism
14.1.2 Hoarding
It is proposed for STC to undertake an extensive campaign of erecting
and displaying large size sign boards/ neon signs at appropriate
locations of public gatherings including the following.
- Along national and regional roads.
- Railway stations
- Bus Terminals
- Airports
- Shopping Plazas
- Places of Public assembly
- Sports events
- Festivals and fairs
14.1.3 Tele Media
Tele Media is perhaps the most effective and far reaching media to
disseminate information. Most of the general Public both literate as
well as illiterate are accessible through the national television network
in the country. The satellite programmes through dish antenna can be
seen anywhere in the country from major centers to the far flung
remote mountainous areas of the country. The national television
network and the satellite telecasting can be used for small duration
advertisement and short duration introductory programmes.
Documentary films should be prepared highlighting various potential
tourist spots and places of interest. Discovery channel of satellite,
CNN, NTM, STN, PTV-1, PTV-2 and many other channels are available
for this purpose.
The special recommendation in the regard is to telecast the whether
conditions, road conditions, availability of hotel rooms and alternate
transport routes for tourists in various tourism areas soon after the
national News on PTV during at least 3 months of the peak tourist
season.
14.1.4 Radio Programmes
Radio broadcasting is another effective media to approach the public
almost everywhere in the country. It is proposed to establish a Tourist
Radio Station at Peshawar on FM frequency to relay variety of
interesting and informative programmes similar to the existing FM 100
Radio Station. The information regarding the weather forecasting,
condition of various roads frequently used by the tourists, availability
of hotel accommodation at various tourist concentration spots and the
availability of alternate modes of transport at various routes can also
be aired.
14.1.5 Organized Tours
The period of summer vacations is also the tourism season for
domestic tourists when all the education institutions of all levels are
closed for 2 months, mainly from the mid of June to mid of August
every year. Students from many education institutions make
organized trips in buses belonging to the institutions or rented for the
whole trip. This activity can be further enhanced by facilitating these
trips by STC in many ways. Many other organizations like banks, large
industrial concerns, various public and private agencies and
departments with large number of employees can also be contacted
and encouraged to organize trips to various tourist attractions in the
area. STC has to play a more effective role in this regard.
14.2 INTERNATIONAL LEVEL
Foreign tourist traffic to Pakistan is negligible at the moment, perhaps
that is why Pakistan is known as the best kept secret of Asia. Pakistan
is an alien name to the people of many countries of the world.
Pakistan as whole a and STC particularly needs to do a great deal of
work to introduce Pakistan abroad, and promote tourism in those
countries. At the same time it needs to make appropriate
arrangements to facilitate the tourism activity to make it a sustainable
development so as if and when the tourists come, they fully enjoy
without disappointment. Following are the recommended means to
promote the Pakistani Tourism at international level.
14.2.1 Pakistani Missions
Pakistani missions abroad including embassies and consulates can
play a leading role in the promotion of Pakistani Tourism in respective
countries. On special occasions like Pakistan Day, Republic Day,
Independence Day, special congregations can be held. Special
features and supplements can be published in the newspapers of
those countries. Cultural programmes can also be held. Businessmen
generally like to combine business with pleasure, therefore foreign
businessmen visiting Pakistan can be made special offers in this
regard. Cultural Exchange programmes can be arranged. Exchange
programmes of students with various education institutions can also
be carried out. Commercial and cultural attaches appointed in
Pakistan missions abroad can play a vital role and this role should be
brought within the mandate of their services in a formal and
obligatory manner. These missions should also act as outlets for the
distribution of literature regarding tourism in Pakistan.
14.2.2 Joint Ventures with Tour Operators
Tour operators in foreign countries are playing an important role in
the promotion of tourism. Joint ventures between STC and foreign tour
operators or joint ventures of Pakistani tour operators with foreign
tour operators through STC can make a great deal of business for
tourism in Pakistan.
14.2.3 International Air Lines
International air lines with PIA as leading agency can arrange package
tours with special discounted fares to various tourist locations in
Pakistan. PIA should enter into agreements with international air lines
to extend this facility on reciprocal basis. The other arrangements of
local transport and hotels can be made jointly by PIA and STC.
14.2.4 Satellite T.V Programmes
As said earlier in para 14.1.3, various programmes, advertisements,
documentaries and short clippings can be arranged to be aired on
satellite for an effective and continuous promotion campaign in the
foreign countries.
15. PROPOSED HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT15. PROPOSED HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
PLANPLAN
Human resource development has so for been a neglected aspect in
many fields including tourism industry. It is now increasingly felt that
human resource development plays a significant role in order to
achieve economy, efficiency, excellence of service and comfort and
sustainablity. As a result, an Institute of Hotel Management has been
recently established in Lahore by the Pakistan Tourism Development
Corporation (PTDC), which offers short term courses on hotel
management. However, its capacity to impart training in many other
fields related with the tourism industry is extremely limited.
Additionally, STC has undertaken a series of short term Training
Workshops at various cities in NWFP in order to enhance and
strengthen the professional capacity and capability of the tourism
related jobs.
The tourism related service sector includes the following occupations:-
i. Hotel Management
ii. Hotel accounting and financing
iii. Front Desk/Receptionists.
iv. Cooks
v. Waiters and service boys
vi. Tour Operators
vii. Tour Guides
viii Translators
ix Tourist Drivers.
The Master Plan proposed the following steps to be taken to achieve
an integrated and comprehensive human resource development.
i. to increase the capacity as well as coverage of allied professions
at the PTDC Institute of Hotel Management.
ii. to arrange scholarships/stipends to study at the PTDC institute
of Hotel Management to the applicants of remote areas and
from low-income families, especially applicants coming from the
areas where tourism is a dominant activity.
iii. to arrange scholarships to study ad attend short term courses
abroad.
iv. to ensure regular employment after completion of the
studies/training courses.
v. to carry out short term training workshops on regular basis by
STC.
vi. Commercial enterprises engaged in the services of tourism
should be involved to sponsor the training workshops etc. This
will need a high level of coordination between the private sector
involvement will also be used for many other areas where the
strong role of private sector in the tourism industry is eagerly
sought.
16. COST ESTIMATES16. COST ESTIMATES
Following are the cost estimates prepared for various project
components as have been identified in the Master Plan. They are
mainly based on the current market prices and are entirely and
extremely approximate. The actual and detailed costs for each of the
project components should be prepared at a later stage together with
detailed designing and at the time of its execution. Therefore, the
Umbrella PC-1 to be prepared after this Master Plan will include these
approximate costs and the PC-1's for each specific project to be
prepared at the time of the implementation of the Master Plan will
include the actual costs as and when these specific PC-1's are
prepared by STC.
16.1 TOURISM FACILITIES
16.1.1 Hotels
For the purpose of this Master Plan and the estimates of rough costs, it
is assumed that a hotel will be located on an area measuring about 1
acre and will provide accommodation of 100 beds (50 rooms). The
total cost including the cost of land, design cost, building cost and
furnishing cost is estimated to be:
Rs: 20.00 million.
16.1.1 Motel
It is assumed that a motel will be located on an area of 0.5 acre (4
kanals) and will provide accommodation of 20 beds in 10 rooms. The
total cost including the cost of land, design and construction cost as
well as the furnishing cost is estimated to be:
Rs: 5.00 millions.
16.1.1 Tourist Hostel
A tourist hostel will provide accommodation to 40 persons in 20 rooms
and will be located on land measuring 0.5 acre (4 kanals). The total
cost including the cost of land, design cost, construction cost and
furnishing cost is estimated to be:
Rs. 10.00 million.
16.1.4 Restaurants
A restaurant is proposed to be located on land measuring
approximately 2 kanals to 4 kanals with a
dining hall with the seating capacity of 50 to
60 persons. The total cost of a restaurant
including the cost of land, deign, building and
furnishing costs is estimated to be:
Rs. 2.00 million.
16.1.5 Picnic Spot
All picnic spots will vary considerably in area depending on the
location, tourism potential, anticipated and planned functions and
availability of land. However, for the sake of this Master Plan it is
assumed that a picnic spot will cover an area of 5 kanals to 20 kanals.
The total cost including the cost of land, soft and hard landscaping and
other ancillary facilities will be approximately
Rs. 4.00 million.
16.1.6 Tourist Facilitation Centre
A tourist facilitation centre is proposed to be provided on an area
ranging from half a kanals to 1 kanal. It will include space for
reception, offices, display area and waiting area. The total cost
including the cost of land, design cost, building cost and furnishing
cost is estimated to be:
Rs. 0.50 million.
16.1.7 Roadside Facility
A roadside facility is assumed to be a food stall covering a small area
of 0.5 kanal. The total cost including the cost of land, structure and
building space is estimated to be.
Rs. 0.1 million.
16.1.8 Cable Car
The cost of cable car will vary considerably based on its location, the
length of the cable, the number of stations etc. Data has been
collected from locations in Pakistan where such facilities have already
been installed like Murree, Patriata and Malam Jaba for this purpose.
For the purpose of this Master Plan, it is estimated that each cable car
service will approximately cost:
Rs. 15.00 million.
16.1.9 Camping Site
An average size camping site with auxiliary service provided on site is
estimated to cost.
Rs. 2.00 million.
16.1.10 Fishing
Establishment of the fishing spots generally does not need much of
the development works. However, the cost of erecting sign boards,
street furniture, supervision hut etc. for each location is estimated to
cost
Rs. 0.05 million.
16.1.11 Boating
The cost of boating may vary considerably depending the level of
service. However, for the sake of this master plan it is assumed that
including the cost of boats, motor boats, motor launches and the
development of the boating basin, each facility will cost.
Rs. 1.50 million.
16.1.12 Tracking
The cost of development of the planned tracking routes at proposed
locations may also vary considerably, depending on the location and
the length of the track. However, it is estimated that including the
cost of direction signs, track development and street furniture, each
track will approximately cost
Rs. 0.10 million.
16.1.13 Winter Sports
Winter sports in this context means a Dome of ice-skating. It will also
include the auxiliary facilities of snack bar, changing and waiting
rooms, visitors gallery and administrative offices. The total cost for
each facility will include the cost of land, design, building and
furnishing which is estimated to be approximately
Rs. 3.00 million.
The summery of cost estimates of various tourist facilities are shown
in Table-8.
Table-8: Estimated cost of Proposed Tourists
Facilities
S.No Type of Facility No. of
Facilities
Cost per
Unit Rs.
million
Total Cost
Rs. million
1. Hotels 15 20.00 300.00
2. Motels 15 5.00 75.00
3. Tourist Hostels 3 10.00 30.00
4. Restaurants 20 2.00 40.00
5. Picnic spots 22 4.00 88.00
6. Roadside facilities 14 0.10 1.40
7. Tourist Facilitation
Centre
6 0.50 3.00
8. Cable car 6 15.00 90.00
9. Camping sites 5 2.00 10.00
10. Fishing 2 0.05 0.10
11. Boating 0 1.50 0.00
12. Rafting 0 1.00 0.00
13. Winter sports 3 3.00 9.00
14. Tracking 7 0.10 0.70
Total 647.20
Less cost of Hotels (647.20 - 300.00) =
347.20
The cost for cable car does not include the cost for the proposed cable car
acres Lowari Top, being an exceptionally big project. This cost needs to be
calculated under a separate project component.
16.2 INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES.
A number of infrastructure projects have been identified at various
locations in the Region. The cost estimates will be prepared together
with the detailed designs and PC-1's by the relevant executing
agency. The infrastructure facilities include roads, water supply,
sewerage solid waste collection and disposal, electricity and
telephone. The relevant executing agencies are the Highway
Department, C & W Department, Public Heath Engineering Depart,
WAPDA, PTC and the Local Administrations.
16.3 CIVIC AMENITIES
Various civic amenities including police, post, health, and banks are
proposed to be provided at various locations in the Region. However,
the cost estimates for each one of these amenities will be determined
and projects implemented by the relevant departments which include,
the Home Department, Health Department,
Communication/Information Department and the commercial banks.
16.4 TRANSPORTATION
It is proposed in the Master Plan to operate STC transport consisting of
at least 10 tourist coaches. The cost of the coaches together with
terminal facilities, auxiliary services and operation for the first year is
estimated to be.
Rs. 50 million.
16.5 MARKETING AND PROMOTION
16.5.1 Print Media
The print media includes the publishing of at 20 different leaflets and
brochures in adequate numbers, printing of a number of press
advertisements, and the publishing of other promotion materials. The
cost roughly has been estimated to be:
Rs. 5.00 million.
16.5.2 STC Magazine
A 10 page quarterly magazine is proposed to be published by STC .It is
estimated to cost STC for its establishment and launching an amount
of approximately.
Rs. 5.00 million.
16.5.3 Hoarding
It is proposed to erect sign boards and neon signs at not less than 100
locations all over the country. It is estimated that they will roughly
cost.
Rs. 10.00 million.
16.5.4 Tele Media
This will include the preparation of short duration advertisements,
films, documentaries, clippings and interviews. It is estimated that
these activities will cost approximately:
Rs. 20 .00 million.
16.6 TRAINING AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
It will include the commencement of various training programmes,
Training Workshops, award of scholarships both within Pakistan and
aboard. It is estimated that these activities will roughly cost:
Rs. 10.00 million.
16.7 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
16.7.1 STC Strengthening
The institutional strengthening of STC is proposed as an essential pre-
requisite for the implementation of this Master Plan. A number of
sections/cells/departments are proposed to be created/established
within STC for this purpose. The institutional strengthening will include
the personal salaries, allowances, office stationary etc. It is roughly
estimated that for the plan period of 10 years, it will roughly cost:
Rs. 50.00 million.
16.7.2 STC Consultancy
The implementation of this Master Plan in the form of the number of
various projects identified therein will require the designing and
preparation of the specific projects. Keeping in view the technical and
professional expertise required in a variety of fields, it is anticipated
that STC will require the services of a number of Consultants in this
regard. It is estimated that this consultancy service will cost
approximately:
Rs. 30.00 million
The aggregate cost estimates are given in Table-9, as follows.
Table-9: Total Cost Estimates
S.No Project Components Total Cost (Rs. Millions)
1. Tourism Facilities 347.20
2. Infrastructure Facilities -
3. Civic Amenities -
4. STC Transportation 50.00
5. Marketing and Promotion 40.00
6. Training and Resource Dev. 10.00
7. STC Strengthening 50.00
8. STC Consultancy 30.00
Total 527.20
17. FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS17. FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS
Funding is required for the following project components as proposal
in this Master Plan. The proposed funding arrangements for each
category of projects is also discussed as under.
17.1 INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
The proposed infrastructure projects include, roads, water supply,
sewerage, solid waste management and electricity and telephone.
They include both improvement/upgrading/extension to the existing
networks and the provision of new networks. Each one of the above
projects fall within the responsibility of the respective provincial
department including Highway Department, C & W Department,
Public Heath Engineering Department, the Local Municipal Authority,
WAPDA and Telecom. Deptt. Each one of these departments have
allocation of funds made under the provincial and departmental
Annual Development Programmes (ADP). The projects identified for
various infrastructure facilities should be included in the ADP's during
the coming years according to the phasing proposed in this Master
Plan.
17.2 CIVIC AMENITIES PROJECTS
The proposed civic amenities projects include post offices, police
stations, health facilities, and banks. Each category of projects are the
responsibility of the respective provincial departments including the
Home Department, Health Department, Communications Department
and Zonal Head Offices of various commercial banks. Each one of
these departments has fund allocations made under the Annual
Development Program (ADP's) except the banks. The projects
identified for the provision of various civic amenities should be
included in the ADP's of the respective departments according to the
phasing proposed in this Master Plan.
17.3 TOURIST FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
A large number of tourist facilities have been proposed to be
developed both in the private as well as in the public sectors and also
as a joint venture of both of them. The proposed funding
arrangements for various tourist facility projects are as follows:
17.3.1 Private Sector
The projects proposed to be funded by the private sector alone re as
follows:
i) Hotels
ii) Roadside facilities
17.3.2 STC
The tourist facilities projects proposed to be funded by STC alone
through grants from the provincial and federal governments and loans
from financial institutions are as follows:
i) Picnic spots
ii) Tourist Facilitation Centers
iii) Camping Grounds
iv) Tracking Routes
17.4 STC TOURIST TRANSPORT
It is proposed to fully own and operate the proposed 10 coaches for
the purpose of tourist transport by STC alone. However, additional
coaches under STC arrangements should be operated under
partnership with the private sector.
17.5 MARKETING AND PROMOTION
Funding arrangements to carry out the intensive and extensive
campaigns for the marketing of projects and promotions of tourism
within Pakistan and abroad is proposed take place with the help of the
private sector. A large number of private sector industries and
business concerns should be contacted to sponsor various marketing
and promotion activities as proposed in Chapter-14 of this Master
Plan. Consultants have thoroughly explored the possibility of this
funding source and have been extended full assurance in this regard
by a large number of giant business establishments.
17.6 HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Service sector plays an important role in functioning of tourism
activities at various levels. Master Plan has proposed various
programmes in response to the need to develop the service sector
which includes a number of training programmes, workshops,
education sessions etc. both available in Pakistan and abroad, some
requiring stipends and scholarships. It is proposed that STC should be
given appropriate funds for this purpose through provincial and
federal grants/allocations.
17.7 STC INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING
STC needs a handsome amount of funding for its functions and
operations during the future. Following are the possible modes of
funding for STC administrative expenditures.
i) Annual Development Programma (ADP)
ii) Revenue Generation from various projects.
It is proposed that appropriate allocations should be made in the
provincial ADP's to meet the STC administrative expenses during the
first 2 to 3 years of the implementation of the Master Plan. During the
same years some of the proposed projects will be implemented and
put in operation in order to yield enough revenues for STC to support
its staff and meet others administrative expenses to function properly
and strongly. During the later years after the completion of the
remaining projects, STC may generate enough revenues to further
invest into its activities.
17.8 STC CONSULTANCY
In order to achieve a sustainable development activities STC will
require the services of various consultants for various activities
including the designing of various proposed tourist facilities, training
programmes an management purposes. The funding for various
consultancy components is proposed to be made by the ADP
allocations throughout the plan period of the Master Plan.
17.9 REVENUE GENERATING ACTIVITIES
One of the aims of this Regional Plan and an essential salient features
is to make STC a self financing organization which is also able to
expand its functions and provide further facilities in the tourism
sector.
Hence the Master Plan has proposed a number of activities which may
involve funding from STC at initial stages but ultimately will become
revenue generating activities. These are of two types.
a) STC and Private Sector Partnership
i) STC Motels
ii) STC Tourist Hostels
iii) STC Restaurants
iv) Cable Car
v) Fishing are/Boating
vi) Winter sports
b) Funded by STC alone
i) STC Transport
ii) STC Magazine
iii) STC Publications
18.18. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND STCINSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND STC
STRENGTHENINGSTRENGTHENING
Before discussing any new institutional arrangements to be made, it is
quite useful to consider the existing institutional arrangements
existing at national and local levels, in the context of their
performance which are as follows.
18.1 MINISTRY OF TOURISM.
Ministry of Tourism exists in Pakistan, both at the federal as well as
provincial levels. It is actually a separate department attached from
time to time with various ministries including Culture and Sports.
At the provincial level an office of the Deputy Controller, Ministry of
Tourism exists in Peshawar. The main functions of this department are
to issue licenses to hotels and restaurants to legally operate in NWFP
and also to issue licenses to tour operators and traveling agents under
two different Acts passed in 1976.
18.2.PAKISTAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (PTDC)
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation established in 1970 was
initially envisaged to be a private sector venture. But within a few
years, it became yet another semi-government organization where the
crest fallen dummy-gods of bureaucracy were dumped till they were
rehabilitated. Tenures of some of the managing directors were as
short as 6 weeks to 10 months.
The only period during which a lot of development projects were
initiated and completed was from 1973 to 1975 when enough funds
were secured to upgrade tourist facilities and to build new ones. After
that, Managing Directors were appointed and removed at short
intervals with the result that no new projects were undertaken. They
concentrated more on foreign tours than bringing about
improvements in the systems. The situation prevailed till 1977
whereafter the tourism was considered as a threat to Islamic values
and culture.
After Martial Law was removed and a democratic system took over,
serious thought was given to tourism as industry since 1988. However,
no practical step was taken in this direction for improvement, mainly
due to the hurdles created by the Ministry of Finance and CBR.
Despite many hurdles, the Government during the previous tenure of
Main Nawaz Sharif, allocated more than 250 million rupees for the
development and marketing of projects. But the PTDC with hardly any
expertise in these fields could not utilize such a large allocation. The
funds were squandered away on purchase of luxury vehicles for
personal use, inviable small motel projects and on "official foreign
trips. Eighty percent of the funds allocated to PTDC were utilized for
payment of salaries and overheads.
However, steps taken recently are indicative of another move in the
right direction and if sustained it may bring some fruitful results in the
near future.
18.3.OTHERS PROVINCIAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATIONS
The story of provincial tourism corporation of Punjab and Sind is no
different from that of PTDC. The Tourism Development Corporation of
Punjab (TDCP) was created in mid 80's with an initial allocation of over
Rs. 100 million. Luxury coaches were bought, tourists facilities began
to be developed, tourists information centers were opened and a chair
lift was installed at Patriata-Murree.
But soon the Corporation was turned into a sort of employment
agency. Hundreds of sons, nephews, and acquaintances of Ministers,
MNA's and MPA's were inducted and the corporation was reduced to
near bankruptcy. It is still in a financial crisis.
As for Sind Tourism Development Corporation, set up some five years
ago, it has yet to prove its existence. Like PTDC, it has had nearly half
a dozen managing directors in five years. The chief executive is never
allowed to work independently. Vehicles purchased for STDC were
placed at the disposal of the then Chief Minister. No development
activities have been undertaken so far though the province is rich in
tourism potential.
Baluchistan is yet to decide whether it needs a tourism organization,
although it has so much to offer by way of beaches, archaeological
sites, hill station of Ziarat and an interesting topography and full range
of fruit orchards all over.
18.4.SARHAD TOURISM CORPORATION (STC)
The only province is NWFP where tourism is being taken seriously as
an economic activity. In 1991, the Government of NWFP established
Sarhad Tourism Corporation (STC) as a public limited company to
promote tourism in the province.
The objectives of the STC included to improve the existing tourism
facilities and explore new ones and carry out developmental works in
an integrated, coordinated and comprehensive manner, so as to
preserve the environmental quality and achieve maximum efficiency.
The role of STC was defined to be a catalyst and help promote the
tourism industry through private sector. The involvement of private
sector will mobilize the enormous potential prevailing in this sector. It
was perceived that after an initial financial support the STC would
become a self-financing organization. This became a distant goal after
initial experience and Government's assistance was further sought on
limited basis. However, the ultimate goal to become self-financing is
still the underlying policy matter.
Fig. 8 shows the present organizational chart of STC, which clearly
indicates the need for an institutional strengthening, particularly
during the times to come due to its anticipated role in tourism
promotion and development. Fig.9 shows the proposed organizational
chart which is only indicative and needs careful review and in depth
study under a separate consultancy assignment before it is finally
approved and adopted. The proposed organizational chart shows
following new departments and cells to be added.
a) Registration and Licensing Section
This section will monitor the performance of the facilities existing in
the private sector including hotels, restaurants and tour operations. All
these facilities will be registered with this section and an annual
license to each facility will be issued. The renewal of the license will
depend on the performance of each facility during the previous year.
This section will have three cells, as follows:
i) Hotels
ii) Restaurants
iii) Tour operators
The above functions are presently carried out by the Deputy
Controller, Ministry of Tourism, Peshawar office. Now these functions
are proposed to be transfused to STC.
b) Coordination Section
Development is an integrated process. Development in tourism
essentially depends the development in many other
sectors of economy including roads, water supply,
sewerage, solid waste management, electricity, telephone, police,
post, health etc. Separate projects have ben proposed for various
infrastructure facilities and civic amenities. These projects will be
designed, planned and executed by a number of line departments.
STC needs a high degree of coordination with these line departments
to
Fig.8
Fig.9
ensure the provision of various infrastructure facilities and civic
amenities where the other tourism facilities have been proposed. It is
therefore proposed to establish a coordination section within STC for
this purpose.
c) Projects Section
A large number of tourism facilities have been proposed in this Master
Plan to be developed and located at various selected sites in the
Region. They include STC motels, STC restaurants, STC tourist hostels,
picnic spots, tourist facilitation centers, etc. It will be the
responsibility of this section to design the facilities, plan them and
supervise the execution of these projects. After the execution, this
section will be given the responsibility for O & M (operation &
maintenance) of all facilities. This section will have following different
cells;
i) Consultants Cell
ii) Project Design & Development Cell
iii) Project Maintenance Cell
d) Marking Section
This section will be responsible for all marketing and promotional
activities. This will have the following cells;
i) Publication and Distribution Cell
ii) STC quarterly Magazine Cell
iii) Audio Video Cell
e) Training Section
A variety of programmes have been proposed in the Master Plan to
organize, arrange and impart relevant education and training to
strengthen the tourism service sector as a human resource
development. This cell will arrange and organize various training
programmes and workshops for this purpose.
f) Transport Section
In order to provide efficient transport arrangements and to improve
the existing conditions by creating healthy competition, it is proposed
to establish STC transport in the Region. This section will be operated,
managed and maintained by the STC transport Section.
g) Tourist Facilities Section
A number of Tourist Facilitation Centers have been proposed is the
Master Plan to be located at key locations in the Region. This section
will be responsible to manage these centers.
19. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION19. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
The implementation of the Master Plan and various project
components will be carried out as follows.
19.1 IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
A number of public and private agencies will be involved in the
implementation of various specific project components relating to the
respective responsibilities. These agencies can be broadly categorized
as follows:
1. Public Agencies
i. Road Projects : Highway
Department, C&W Department
ii. Water Supply
and Sewerage Projects : Public Health Engineering
Department.
iii. Solid Waste Collection
and Disposal Projects : Municipal Committees, Town
Committees
iv. Electrification Projects : WAPDA
v. Post Offices : Ministry of
Communications
vi. Telephone : Pakistan
Telecommunication Corporation.
vii. Police Stations : Home
Department
viii. Health Facilities : Health
Department
ix. Banks :
Commercial Banks
The above implementation framework however requires a high degree
of coordination. It is therefore proposed to establish a coordination cell
within STC which will liaison with the line developments involved in
the project implementation process one way or the other.
19.2 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
It is proposed that the implementation of the Master Plan takes place
in phases with activities of each phase integrated with the activities of
other phases in order to complement and supplement the activities .
Following are the activities proposed to commence and complete in
different phases. The overall phasing programme in based on the two
broad categories of the Immediate Action Programme (IAP) and the
Long Term Programme.
PHASE-I
19.2.1 Immediate Action Programme.
Immediate Action Programme is proposed for a period of first two
years and involves activities aimed at improvements and upgrading in
the existing tourism facilities without involving huge capital outlays. It
therefore, focusses more on adopting the regulatory measures.
Various activities proposed for the immediate action are as follows.
i. STC Strengthening.
It is a prerequisite to strengthen the institutional arrangements of STC
to play a stronger role to ensure the implementation of the Master
Plan. STC should expand gradually as and when required according to
the expansion of the work on the other components of the Master Plan
and to be integrated to other activities proposed in the Master Plan.
Some of the new sections in STC should be established right now
corresponding with the activities proposed as immediate actions.
However, the sections involved in the activities proposed in the long -
term plan should be established later.
ii. Licensing of Private Sector Activities.
The performance of various tourism facilities provided in the private
sector including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, tour guides etc. is
extremely poor in terms of both quantity and quality. There is no
mechanism to regulate and monitor these activities. It is proposed
that STC should be given the licensing authority which is presently
held with the Deputy Controller, Ministry of Tourism, Peshawar.
Inspectors should be appointed by STC to periodically and regularly
monitor the performance of the private sector activities in this regard.
iii. Marketing and Promotion Activities.
Marketing and Promotion of tourism is, as a matter of fact, a
continuous activity. It is proposed that some of the activities should
commence with immediate effect both at home and abroad. Main
emphasis during this phase should be given to designing, printing and
distribution of introductory leaflets, brochures book lets etc.
iv. Improvement of the infrastructure Facilities.
STC should establish contacts and coordinate with the line
departments in order to improve and upgrade the existing
infrastructure facilities in the region. This will mainly deal with the
implementation of the improvement/upgrading projects which have
been identified in this Master Plan.
v. Improvement of the Civic Amenities.
STC should establish contacts and coordinate with the line
departments in order to improve and upgrade the existing civic
amenities in the region. This will mainly deal with the implementation
of the improvement/upgrading projects which have been identified in
this Master Plan.
19.2.2 Long - Term Programme
The total span of the plan period of this Master Plan is proposed for 10
years. The Immediate Action Programme is proposed for 2 years, and
the remaining period of 8 years is considered for the long-term
programme.
It is envisaged that after completion of the immediate action
programme in 2 years, various activities will have gained momentum
and the environment will have been gained for the implementation of
the long - term plan. It is also proposed to carry out long-term plan is
two phases of 4 years each, as follows.
PHASE-II
Following activities are proposed for phase-II of the Master Plan and
the stage-I of the long-term plan.
i. STC Strengthening
It is proposed to fully complete the institutional strengthening of STC
which had commenced during the immediate action programme. This
will help STC to function fully and completely to steer various tourism
activities involved in the implementation of the Master Plan.
ii. Marketing and Promotion.
It is proposed to further expand the activities involved in the
marketing and promotion plan as suggested earlier. While the press
advertisements, hoarding and the printing and distribution of the
literature was proposed in Phase-I, it is proposed to commence the
publication of the STC Magazine in Phase-II. The other activities
proposed to take place during this phase are the use of tele media,
video, and the satellite programmes.
iii. Development of new tourist facilities.
It is proposed to start building and development of new tourist
facilities as proposed in the Master Plan in the areas which are already
established tourist attractions or in areas located in the close vicinity
during this phase. This will involve the development of new hotels,
motels, restaurants, picnic spots, road side facilities, and others. this
should be done in an integrated manner to become actually an
extension of the existing facilities.
iv. Development/Extension of the new Infrastructure
Facilities.
It is proposed to provide new infrastructure facilities including water
supply, sewerage, electricity etc. to the areas where new tourist
facilities have been developed during this phase. This should also be
done in an integrated manner as an extension to the existing facilities.
v. Development of new Civic Amenities.
Civic amenities including the police, health and other facilities should
be provided in areas where new tourist facilities have been
built during this phase in an integrated manner.
vi. Human Resource Development
Some of the training programmes and workshops should commence
during this stage including the formal education of higher level studies
available in Pakistan.
vii. STC Transportation
In order to respond to the immediate need for appropriate
transportation arrangements for the tourist movement in the area, it
is proposed to commence the STC transport during this phase, as
mentioned in the Master Plan.
viii. Private Sector Involvement
It is proposed to take necessary steps involved in the process of
mobilization of the private sector to participate in the development,
implementation and operation of projects identified in the Master Plan.
This will involve the preparation of various feasibility reports and
establishment of contacts with the private sector.
PHASE-III
Following activities have been proposed to fully and completely
implement the Master Plan.
i. Development of the Remaining Tourist Facilities.
It is proposed to develop the remaining tourist facilities during this last
phase, as proposed in the Master Plan. They include the development
of new hotels, motels, restaurants, picnic spots etc. It will include all
identified locations : near as well remote.
ii Development of new Infrastructure Facilities.
It is proposed to provide all the infrastructure facilities to all the areas
where new tourist facilities have been developed as proposed in the
Master Plan during this phase in an integrated manner.
iii. Development of new Civic Amenities.
It is proposed to develop new civic amenities to the areas where new
tourist facilities have been developed during this phase, as proposed
in the Master Plan, in an integrated manner.
iv. Marketing and Promotion.
It is proposed to further expand the area of marketing and promotion
activities during this last phase, and the international market should
also be fully covered in this regard.
v. Human Resource Development
The activities in the training and formal education should be further
expanded during this phase and potential candidates should be sent
to the local as well as foreign institutions for this purpose.