KP to Celebrate Tirch Mir Year, Waives Climbing Royalty

News Desk 

Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to celebrate the year 2024-25 as the year of Tirch Mir, the highest peak of the province, and to commence the annual Tirch Mir Festival.

The Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) has been entrusted with immediate actions to facilitate this initiative.

This decision was reached during a meeting on tourism promotion chaired by Zahid Chanzeb, the Advisor on Tourism and Culture to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The meeting took place at the conference hall of KPCTA in Peshawar and was attended by Director General BarkatUllah Marwat, General Manager Planning & Marketing Muhammad Ali Syed, General Manager Tourism Sajjad Hameed, tour operators, and other tourism stakeholders from serene areas of KP.

The participants warmly welcomed the decision of the provincial government, considering it a landmark initiative for tourism development. They pledged their full cooperation to ensure the success of the Tirch Mir Festival, aiming to make it a prominent feature of the province.

Additionally, it was agreed in the meeting to waive off mountaineering royalties and trekking fees for the year 2024-25. Furthermore, Tirch Mir Mountain will be included in the tourism symbols of the province, signifying its significance in KP’s tourism landscape for the foreseeable future.

The meeting also decided to extend invitations to international mountaineers to climb Tirch Mir peak.

Moreover, it was decided that the next meeting would be held in Chitral instead of Peshawar, followed by meetings in other tourist district headquarters.

During the gathering, stakeholders in the tourism industry had the opportunity to share their concerns and difficulties with the Tourism Advisor, providing valuable insights for future planning and development.

Zahid Chanzeb listened to their grievances very patiently and assured them of its redressal on priority basis. He also assured all the stakeholders of full cooperation in the efficient delivery of tourism services.

He directed that tour operators and all other stakeholders should organize various programs for the promotion of tourism, while the Govt will fully support them.

On the issue related to NOC for tourists, he said that it will be resolved soon after meeting with the concerned authorities.

He further said that for better results Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Police is being upgraded with first aid boxes and provided with additional motorbikes besides extending more training to them.

The Tourism Advisor emphasized that clearing encroachments in tourist destinations is a priority, with the district administration’s cooperation being sought to streamline the process.

Additionally, efforts will be made to enhance the highways leading to these destinations, with adequate funds earmarked in the new budget.

Zahid Chanzeb acknowledged the pivotal role of tour operators and other stakeholders in tourism development. He assured that the provincial government is committed to supporting them at every level. 

Participants expressed gratitude to the tourism advisor and the government for their encouragement and proactive measures in advancing the tourism sector.

They pledged their full cooperation in achieving the set goals for promoting the tourism industry in the province.