Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination convened to examine the advancement of tourism in Chitral, focusing on institutional coordination and national development programs. The meeting, chaired by Senator Dilawar Khan, addressed key concerns about inadequate infrastructure and the potential for tourism growth in the region.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee received briefings from the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation and the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination. Chitral, recognized as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s largest tourism area, has been identified as a major hub for adventure and cultural tourism. Officials noted the region’s significance but highlighted challenges, including a lack of basic facilities and security concerns for foreign tourists.

Senator Talha Mehmood expressed concerns over the inadequate tourism infrastructure, citing issues such as insufficient internet access, poor road conditions, and a lack of medical facilities. He emphasized the need for improvements, comparing Chitral’s potential to that of international destinations like Turkey. Senator Aimal Wali Khan echoed these concerns, pointing out disparities in tourism development across different regions of Pakistan.

The committee called for a comprehensive review of provincial tourism performance and emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to improve infrastructure. A future meeting dedicated to Chitral’s development and tourism potential was announced, involving all relevant stakeholders. The session concluded with a focus on addressing structural gaps in tourism infrastructure and ensuring accountability across sectors.