Tourism promotion a top priority of KP government: Malik Adil Iqbal

ABBOTTABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jun, 2026) Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Tourism and Culture, Malik Adil Iqbal, has reaffirmed that the promotion of tourism remains one of the provincial government's foremost priorities, with urgent measures being undertaken across the province to remove obstacles hindering the growth of the sector.

Chairing a high-level stakeholders’ meeting on tourism promotion in Galiyat at the Commissioner’s Office in Abbottabad on Saturday, Malik Adil Iqbal said the provincial government was committed to implementing the vision of former Prime Minister Imran Khan by developing tourism infrastructure and improving facilities for visitors.

He stated that longstanding issues in Galiyat, including the Ayubia chairlift project, water shortages and other pending matters, would soon be addressed in a high-level meeting to be chaired by the Chief Minister.

The meeting was attended by MPA Raja Ali Abbasi, Secretary Tourism Saadat Hassan, Commissioner Hazara Division Fayaz Ali Shah, Director General Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) Muhammad Fawad, officials from the Health Department, Rescue 1122, representatives of hotel associations and other stakeholders.

During the meeting, DG GDA Muhammad Fawad briefed participants on ongoing initiatives to promote tourism and highlighted challenges faced by the authority. MPA Raja Ali Abbasi underscored issues affecting local residents and called for immediate measures to ensure the round-the-clock availability of doctors in Galiyat hospitals, the establishment of an additional Rescue 1122 station at Changla Gali, and solutions to parking and water supply problems.

Addressing participants, Malik Adil Iqbal described tourists as “VIP guests and ambassadors” of the province and directed all concerned departments to ensure the provision of quality security, rescue and public services.

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He termed the arrival of nearly 1.2 million tourists in Galiyat during the Eid holidays a positive sign for the region's tourism industry and instructed all relevant departments to remain on high alert throughout the tourist season.

The Special Assistant also directed authorities to hold monthly coordination meetings with hotel associations and other stakeholders across tourist destinations. He emphasized the need for uninterrupted electricity supply to hotels, an improved taxation system and the provision of all essential facilities to tourism-related businesses. He further called for the establishment of a one-window operation system to facilitate investors and stakeholders in the tourism sector.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Malik Adil Iqbal said the provincial government would review the issue of water supply from Galiyat to Murree, adding that local residents should not face water shortages while water resources from the area are supplied elsewhere.

Earlier, Commissioner Hazara Division Fayaz Ali Shah welcomed the Special Assistant and briefed him on ongoing efforts to promote tourism across the division. He also directed all departments to resolve inter-departmental concerns through the Commissioner’s Office rather than interfering directly in one another’s jurisdiction.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the provincial government and stakeholders to improve tourism infrastructure, public services and visitor facilities in Galiyat and other tourist destinations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.