Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan, along with Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Tourism and Culture Malik Adil Iqbal, welcomed the record influx of tourists to the province during Eid-ul-Azha in a video message. They stated that whether it is Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-ul-Azha, tourists from across Pakistan as well as foreign visitors have consistently been attracted to the province's scenic tourist destinations over the past several years.
Government Measures to Boost Tourism
Shafi Jan said that the provincial government is taking comprehensive measures to provide the best facilities to tourists. The large number of visitors to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is clear evidence that the province is not only blessed with natural beauty but is also considered among the safest tourist destinations in the country. He added that the government is actively introducing new tourist sites and taking practical steps to further develop the tourism sector.
On the occasion, Special Assistant on Tourism and Culture Malik Adil Iqbal said that under the vision of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for the promotion of tourism, excellent facilities were provided to tourists during Eid-ul-Azha. He added that the Eid holidays of Tourism Police personnel were cancelled to ensure uninterrupted services, while tourist facilitation centres established at various tourist destinations remained fully operational throughout the Eid holidays.
Tourist Statistics
According to Malik Adil Iqbal, from May 27 to May 31, a total of 1,267,568 tourists visited various tourist attractions across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including merged districts. The figure included approximately 200 foreign tourists. Statistics show that Swat Valley received the highest number of visitors, with 416,794 tourists recorded during Eid-ul-Azha. Naran Valley welcomed 187,954 tourists, while Galiyat attracted 148,828 visitors. A total of 394,682 tourists visited various tourist destinations in merged districts. South Waziristan recorded 144,000 visitors, while 92,112 tourists visited District Orakzai.
Economic Impact
Malik Adil Iqbal said that tourism-related activities during Eid-ul-Azha generated an estimated revenue of Rs8 to Rs12 billion for the province. He added that the record influx of tourists reflects growing public confidence in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's tourism-friendly policies, effective management, services of Tourism Police, and facilities provided to visitors. He noted that this trend would further strengthen both the tourism sector and the local economy.
