1.

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 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 Hazara. 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 Hazara. 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

Hazara Division is located between latitude 33 -44' N and 35-10' E 2

and longitude 72-33' N and 74-6'E (Fig. 1). The division is bounded by Azad Jammu and Kashmir on the eastern side, by Rawalpindi District on the southern side, by the Districts of Swabi and Swat on the western side and by Gilgit Agency on the northern side. After crossing through the Kohistan District of this division the River Indus separates it from the districts of Swat and Mardan. The division is also closely situated to the Islamabad Federal Territory. The division is actually located at cross roads of Punjab, Kashmir, Gilgit and the rest of NWFP. It is located very close to the main G.T. Road stretching from Peshawar to Lahore and is connected to it at Hassan Abdal on G.T. Road through

Fig.1: Location Map

the Silk Road or Shahrah-e-Resham and also known as Karakuram Highway (KKH) which passes for most of its length through Hazara Division. 1.3 TOPOGRAPHY

The vast plains of Punjab end at Jehlum, which is located at the foot hills of a vast mountain range. The Potohar plateau touches the Hazara Division, from where small mountain ranges start growing into high mountain ranges. Therefore, the Hazara Division is comprised of both vast plain areas surrounded by hills and high mountains with wide valleys. The southern part of the division is relatively flat and the altitude increases as one moves towards north right in the Karakuram Range. The plain of Abbottabad is actually located in between the River Jehlum and River Indus. Other significant rivers of the region are River Kunhar, River Dor and River Siran. There are other numerous channels and streams flowing within the region which actually are tributaries of the big rivers. These specific topography features make it an interesting area by virtue of its scenic beauty, lofty mountains, green and dense forests and valleys and lakes of immense beauty. The lower district of Haripur, a comparatively plain area has an average altitude of about 2,500 feet above the mean sea level, whereas Abbottabad district enjoys its towering position because of its high hills. The town of Abbottabad itself is located above 4,120 feet. Further north of Abbottabad district is Mansehra where the beautiful places known as Kaghan, Naran and Lake Saiful Muluk lie. The hills around have high peaks somewhere up to 17,000 feet above the

mean sea level. The beauty of the narrow valley of Kaghan from Balakot to Naran is enhanced by the meandering Kunhar river that flows over hard rocks splashing crystal clear water and traverses southward to ultimately join with the river Jehlum. 1.4 CLIMATE

The climate in the southern district of Haripur is hot in summer that varies with the adjoining districts of Attock and Rawalpindi. In the central plateau the heat of summer is materially less and the winter proportionally severe. The line of perpetual snow is between 14000 and 15000 feet above sea level. The rainfall varies between 30" (750 mm) in the south to 50" (1250 mm) in the north. 1.5 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The origin of the name Hazara is obscure. It has been identified with Abisari, the country of Abisares, the chief of the Indian mountaineers at the time of Alexander's invasion. Hazara-e-Karlugh, or the Karlugh legion is one more interpretation, which was settled in this track by Timur after his invasion of India (Indo-Pakistan sub-continent). The old name of Hazara was Pukhli Sarkar or Pukhli Walayat. Pukhli was actually the name of the container to carry water and was made of goat skin. The name was perhaps given because of the abundance of water available in the area from its many springs and water channels. The name Pukhli was later changed to Hazara Karlak and during the British regime was known as Hazara only. Pukhli Walayat

covered a vast area extending from Attock to Kaghan in between the River Jehlam and River Indus and consisted of 84 settlements during the ancient times. Hazara is an ancient land whose history dates back to the Aryan Era some 1500 B.C to 200 B.C. Great Iranian ruler, Cyrus-I and Dara also ruled the area for more than 250 years from 500 B.C to 250 B.C. It was conquered by Alexander the Great in the year 1326 B.C. The famous king of the ancient times Chandar Gupt Muria defeated the Greeks and established a vast empire. Another famous ruler Ashoka who died in the year 232 B.C. also ruled the area. Ashoka's inscribed stones left near Mansehra date back to this period. It remained the center of Gandhara Civilization for may centuries. Maharaja Jai Pal and Raja Risalo are well known rulers of that times. Hazara has also been ruled in the past by locals tribes of Ghakars, Gujars, Kharals, Sikhs and finally the British before the establishment of Pakistan. Being located on the Road to Kashmir, the area has attracted many invaders. Archaeological sites scattered in and around Hazara reveal that the area was once the center of first Hindu civilization and later Buddhist civilization. Islam came to the area with Mahmood Ghaznavi in 1192 A.D. Amir Taimur invaded and ruled this area in 1398. A significant event in its history is the establishment of an independent state of Hazara in 1490 by Shahabud Din Babar, the cousin of Mughal Emperor Zahirud Din Babar. Guli Bagh in Tehsil Mansehra was the capital of this new kingdom. The Feroza Fort and the Tomb of Hazrat Dewan Raja Baba Sahib are the ancient buildings of Guli Bagh. After the British took over the rule of India from Mughals, Captain Abbott was sent

from Delhi as first Deputy Commissioner of Hazara in 1848. The old tribes of the region include Gujars, Awans, Dalazak, Tanoli, Swati, Tareen and Ghakar. 1.6 AREA AND POPULATION

Based on the figures of the last census held in 1981 and the inter census rate of growth, the present population of Hazara is estimated to be about 5 million, out of which only 6.25% (0.3 million) is urban and the remaining 93.75% (4.7 million) is rural. This extra ordinary high percentage of rural population is because of Batagram and Kohistan districts, which do not have any urban settlement. These are totally rural districts of Pakistan. The total area of Hazara division is 17103 sq.kms which makes it one of the biggest divisions of Pakistan. 1.7 ADMINISTRATIVE SETUP

The division is comprised of five districts of Haripur, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Batagram and Kohistan (Fig. 2). Previously Haripur was a part of Abbottabad, and Batagram was included in the Mansehra District. Both of them have been established as new districts during the past few years. Every district has its headquarter located at the city of the same name except Kohistan district whose headquarter is located at Dassu.

Fig.2: Administrat ive Setup

2. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

2.1 GOALS

The goals of the Regional Master Plan are:a. Promote and develop the tourism industry of Hazara 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 Hazara Division in and outside the country and f. 2.2 Make the STC a self financing agency. 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

Hazara Division for generating income by attracting the foreign as well as the potential areas. ii. Set the future direction of the Sarhad Tourism local tourists to the

Corporation/Government of NWFP/Ministry of Tourism for the promotion and development of tourism in Hazara Division. iii. Involve private enterprises in setting up profitable and

innovative recreational tourist facilities/attractions in Hazara 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 Hazara 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 Hazara Region.

3. AN OVERVIEW OF EXISTING CONDITIONS

3.1 TOURISM ACTIVITY

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 pines, 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 foreigners alike. Nature has gifted this country with vast scope of developing the beautiful hills and panoramic views. Hazara division constitutes a significant part of this beautiful country located north of Pakistan. It consists of the valley of Kaghan, hills of Guliyat and the plains of Abbottabad and Manshera, all unique in the potential scenic beauty as attraction for tourists. To the outside world the Kaghan valley truly represents Pakistan for tourism activity. The world famous Lake Saiful Muluk has remained a place of attraction since many years. Besides the natural beauty, this area has rich historical background. If backwardness is taken as a blessing in disguise, few of the locations here have seen little impact of modern life, therefore, they are culturally preserved in original form. See Annexure-VI at the end of this Report for more details on the existing torism activities, tourism seasons, related services, composition of tourists and recent efforts. 3.2 INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES

The division is well linked with rest of the country though KKH starting from Hasanabdal, which provides access to north and south for movement at national as well international levels. Starting from G.T. Road at Hasan Abadal, it passes through almost all the major settlements of the Hazara division except Kaghan Valley and the Galiyat Area in Abbottabad District. The KKH links the area to Gilgit in the north and onward to Sinking Province of China after crossing Khunjrab Pass at the international border. Second important road of Hazara starts from Manshera to Balakot and provides an access to the whole of Kaghan Valley. This road joins KKH at Chilas after crossing the Babusar Top at the northern end of Kaghan Valley. This road also links Hazara with Muzafferabad in Azad Kashmir from Garhi Habib Ullah. Besides this major road network minor road system also exists providing access to the remote areas including Dadar Valley, Kala Dhaka (Black Mountain), and Tanawal Plain. However, most of these minor roads are not in good condition and require periodic repairs and improvements. Due to the frequent land sliding activity, most of the roads including KKH and Kaghan Valley Road are subject to considerable damage, requiring large scale immediate restoration and repair work. These two roads important for tourism activity are not comfortable at all and require a great deal of will and courage for a tourist to drive on them. Besides roads, there is no scarcity of water in Hazara. Almost all the major settlements have water supply systems, either municipal or through the natural springs. Municipal sewerage system is however

provided only in the bigger urban centers only. Electricity is also available in most of the human settlements located along the main roads or in the vicinity. People living in mountains, especially in darras are however, without this facility. Other important roads are the one linking KKH near Haripur with Ghora Gali, through a settlement called Maqsooda, which provides access to Galiyat from Abbottabad and onward to Murree. Hazara is also linked with Swat Valley through Shangla Par from a road going west from Besham. Rail link to Hazara is provided up to Havelian only from Rawalpindi. Recently an air link has also been provided between Abbottabad and Islamabad through a regular commercial helicopter service. Fig. 3- A shows the availability of various infrastructure facilities in selected places of the Division.

Fig.3-A:

Existing Infrastructure Facilities

3.3

CIVIC AMENITIES

Hazara is linked by the national telecommunication network where direct dialing facility is available. Almost all the major settlements are connected through the telephone system, except remote areas in the valleys or located on the mountains or in darras. In Kaghan Valley the telephone line has gone up to Kaghan town only. All major towns have some level of health facility, post office, police station, banks and other amenities. However, the remote areas are still facing scarcity of these services. Hotels and restaurants are mainly concentrated in the big cities located along KKH and Kaghan Valley, most of them in Abbottabad, Mansehra, Balakot and Kaghan. Naran also has number of facilities of overnight stay in the private sector. P.T.D.C has provided a number of motels for tourists but are relatively costly. Tourists have no facility from Naran onwards. A number of tourist facilities are also available in Guliyat area, mostly concentrated in Nathiagali. Restaurants of all kinds are located almost at all locations, but have very poor quality and level of service. Some decent restaurants located in Abbottabad are however, an exception. Fig. 3-B and 3-C show the availability of various civic amenities and tourism facilities at selected locations in the Division. Tourists information centers are also very few. There is one located in Abbottabad, one in Balakot and the third one in Besham. They are all operated by PTDC.

In order to assess the availability of infrastructure facilities and civic amenities in more details and specific to each potential tourist site, a survey was carried out by the Consultants. The results of the survey have actually become a basis for the master plan proposal as discussed in the next chapters. The copy of the survey proforma is attached here as Annex-I. Fig.3-B: Existing Civic Amenities

Fig.3-C:

Existing Tourism Facilities

4. 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 multivariate 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) ii) (A) Foreign tourists Foreigners working in N.W.F.P 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. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. Lack of information and sometimes wrong information. Harassment by local males to female tourists . Cheating in terms of many matters. Child beggars. Lack of permission to visit Khyber Pass and Tribal Areas. Non-availability of transport at night. Difference in price charged to a foreigner or a local. Lack of credit card /currency exchange facility. Too many police check posts and movement restrictions.

x. xi. xii.

Short duration of visas for Pakistan. Poor quality food and other goods. Lack of good quality , average period hotels.

Following are some of the suggestions came from the foreign tourists. Suggestions. i. ii. iii. iv. v. Provide better and efficient garbage collection and

disposal system for generally clean environment. Police checking should be made at few places only to make movement easier. Accessibility possible. Regulate the pricing system for hotels, restaurant and transport. 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. to more areas should be made easily

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) ii) iii) Lack of adequate and authentic information about specific sites, even from the Tourist Information Centers of PTDC. Frequently cancellation of flights, especially to Gilgit and Chitral. Lack of appropriate and adequate facilities. Some of the suggestion made by these tourists to improve tourism activity are as follows. Suggestions. i) ii) iii) Provide adequate information about the tourism locations. Improve the advertising and promotion of tourism. Improve physical conditions on tourist locations.

iv) v) vi) vii) 4.5

Introduce more tourist locations and attractions. Improve the general hotel conditions. Improve the means of communication. Improve hotel, restaurant and car rental services.

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. ii. iii. Personal disliking Lack of security in public places 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 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 facilities and infrastructure 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. the large scale new The major activities proposed to be

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 LOCATIONS

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 HARIPUR DISTRICT

Following is the list of the potential sites and locations as identified by the consultants and are shown in Fig.4-A.

6.1.1

Dingi

This is a busy and shady road side stop-over for vehicular traffic midway between Hasanabdal and Haripur. Development of ground water through an electric tubewell has converted barren fields into a green groove of shady trees and productive land. Electric supply is available so also a black topped road of KKH. All other facilities are available at nearby Haripur. A road side facility is required to be provided as stopover amenity to the tourists. 6.1.2 Khalabat Khalabat is a new town planned and constructed after the

submergence of old town in Tarbela Lake. The boundary of the vast

Tarbela lake is not far from this new township where all facilities are available. This site will be suited in winter, autumn and in spring, because of its comparatively warmer temperature. The site would be located Fig.4-A: Proposed Tourism Sites-Haripur District

on Haripur Khalabat road, a bit

beyond the main road and by the

boundary of Tarbela Lake water level. The proposed tourist facilities would enable the visitors to enjoy boating, water sports and fishing from the eastern side of the lake. 6.1.3 Tarbela Dam Tarbela Dam is one of the largest dams in the world and has gained importance from international agencies because it was planned, designed and constructed by a consortium of engineers of repute and was also funded by them. The vast expanse of the man made lake impresses every visitor. When the dam is full in summer the overflowing water from the spillway presents a view similar to that of Niagara Falls and the fast splashing water over the rocks sprinkle droplets in a radius of half a kilometer which is so pleasant that one would like to stop and enjoy the water laden breeze for hours. Facilities for tourists however are not available for over night stay or any other activity. A water sports activity can be designed and established together with an angling facility. A visit to the Power House on the right bank is yet another attraction. It is pertinent to mention here that the Power House is the largest Hydal Project in Pakistan and ranks even amongst a few large ones in the world. 6.1.4 Khanpur Dam This dam on Harro river and the resultant lake is a man made activity where flood water going waste has been tamed for productive irrigation. The glance of the lake from the rest house on the hill top

presents a panoramic view which attracts visitors so much so that they wish to repeat the visit frequently. The lake with its ancillary structure is situated on Haripur Taxila road. Its importance from tourism point of view has gone up due to the industrial estate established at Hatter, nearby. All facilities exist at Hatter, not far away from the Dam. 6.1.5. Mang

Mang is located close to Haripur town along a minor road taking off from the KKH. This small road links with the Khanpur Dam. Mang is a beautiful spot where water has been collected in a lake offering a potential picnic spot. 6.1.6. Sarkari Bagh

This place is located in Haripur town and is important from its historic significance. An improved environment around the garden can make it an attractive tourism site. 6.1.7 6.1.8. Sarai Saleh, and Manik Rai

These two sites are located on the banks of River Dor, directly opposite to each other. Both sites are centuries old dating back to the Kushan Dynasty. 6.1.9. Jholian

This is also an archeological site located along the Haripur-Taxila road

and bears its significance from Gandhara civilization. 6.1.10. Hari Singh Fort

Hari Singh Fort located at Haripur town is an important historic land mark. The fort was built by Hari Singh, the ruler of the area in old days. 6.1.11. Darvesh

It is a small settlement located along KKH in the vicinity of Haripur town towards Taxila. Being situated at the doorway of both Haripur and the who region, the settlement is important for providing a tourism facility providing guidance to the travellers in the Hazara Region. 6.1.12. Maqsooda on Ghora Gali Road It is a small settlement located along the road linking Haripur with the Ghora Gali in Guliyat Area. A road side facility located here will be extremely useful for the tourists travelling on this road. 6.2 ABBOTTABAD DISTRICT

6.2.1 Abbottabad City This is the Headquarter of the district and situated in 34 09' N and 73-13' E as shown in Fig.5-B. The headquarter of the district was fist placed here in 1853 and the new cantonment was named after Major James Abbott, first Deputy Commissioner of Hazara (1847 - 1853). The

town is picturesquely situated at the southern corner of the plain, 4120 ft above sea level. This beautiful scenic place is bounded by hills on all the four sides except its approach form the southern inlet and the northern exit towards Mansehra. The city has by now developed into a attractive tourist spot with all possible amenities. These amenities broadly are, good roads leading to Nathia Gali-Murree, Mansehra-Kaghan, Naran, good quality hotels and restaurants with gas connections, tourist information center, post and telegraph, NWD telephones and a medical complex and shopping facility for quality products . One township called Jinnahabad township has already been constructed while a second one is in process by the Physical Planning and Housing Department of Government of N.W.F.P.

Fig.4-B:

Abbottabad is basically a cantonment city which is a base of some well known Army Units. Pakistan Military Academy is located at Kakul which falls within the urban limits of Abbottabad. This academy has a strong and visible impact on the urban life of Abbottabad. The second most significant activity is the presence of a number of high standard English Medium educational institutions both in private and public sectors. 6.2.2 Sherwan This is a significant settlement situated at a distance of about 19 kilometers west of Abbottabad in lower Tanawal. Located right on the hill this potential tourist spot has a commanding view all round. The area is attractive from the point of view of its mild climatic conditions and attractive scenery around. For most of the urban needs in terms of services and facilities it depends on Abbottabad City. 6.2.3 Nawan Shehr Closely situated to Abbottabad, this town older than Abbottabad itself, is known for its springs. The gushing spring water is cold in summer, and warm in winter. Tourists enjoy the profusely flowing water which does not diminish in any season of the year. While visiting/staying at Abbottabad or on way to Kaghan valley the Nawan Sher town is a place of interest for the tourists which is located at a distance of only 5 kilometers from the down town Abbottabad and falls within its urban limits. Being located in close proximity, it depends on Abbottabad for most of the urban facilities and services. 6.2.4 Dhamtour

Dhamtour is a small settlement located close to Abbotabad along the road to Guliyat. The importance of Dhamtour is due to a very old cemetry located here which owns a historic background. 6.2.5 Ilyasi Mosque Ilyasi Mosque located at Nawan Shehr is another historic land mark of the area. It is a beautiful mosque with interesting architectural structure. GULIYAT 6.2.6 Kalabagh It is a small cantonment, situated 34-06' N and 73-25' E on the road between Abbottabad and Nathia Gali at a distance of 2 kilometers short of Nathia Gali. Except for its scenic beauty and overlooking view of the lower green hills from the road, there is no stop over arrangement of any sort. A helipad belonging to the Pakistan Air Force is located here. Most of the Rest Houses located here belong to Pakistan Army. The view of Nathia Gali from here is beautiful. 6.2.7 Khaira Gali It is also a small settlement situated at 33 -55'N and 73-20' E. This is the last settlement before the road from Nathia Gali enters into Punjab while going to Murree. Murree is about 12 kilometers from here. Beautiful scenery can be enjoyed in all directions from here. No important tourist facilities is available here except refreshments and

snacks. 6.2.8 Khanspur/Ayubia These two are closely situated (34 o-02'N and 73o-30'E). Khanspur is linked with the main Murree-Abbottabad Road with a small link road. Khanspur being cantonment is prohibited for the visitors while Ayubia is actually meant for tourists. Ayubia has been developed into a tourist spot as chair lifts have been installed and a large number of visitors enjoy this facility every year during the summer. With all this fanfare and joy sides, there is no road side facility for the tourists for over night stay. Quite a few tourist huts at normal rates are required to be constructed to make the site more attractive. 6.2.9 Nathia Gali It has been the summer headquarter of the Frontier Govt., and is a hill resort with beautiful buildings and hotels. It is situated at 34 -05' N and 73-58'E midway on the road from Abbottabad to Murree. Hotels developed here in the recent past are expensive for the average tourist. Road side facility adequately for the tourists is a must to have attraction for them. In fact the influx of tourists during summer months warrants that, because a normal tourist cannot afford the high charges of the good quality hotels. 6.2.10 Thandiani

Though closely situated to Abbottabad, this hill side resort at a height of 8,845 feet has not received due attention from the tourism point of view. A couple of rest houses exist here but are owned by provincial

departments which can not ordinarily be used by the tourists. As and when the tourist influx develops, of course through proper publicity, additional facilities can be added later on. It is worth mentioning here that a small shopping center used to exist during the early British days. A T.V. booster has been installed here to extend transmission facilities to far flung villages. 6.2.11 - 6.2.13 Changla Gali, Bara Gali, Dunga Gali These beautiful small hilly villages are a source of attraction while on way to Murree from Abbottabad. Because of thickly covered mountains with Pine, Oaks and Jenifer trees, these places present an enchanting picture to the eyes. The wild life peeping from behind the tree trunks is yet another attraction for the tourist. 6.3 MANSEHRA DISTRICT

6.3.1 Historical Building at Mansehra Evacuee property presently occupied by CIA and Traffic police, within the Mansehra Bazaar on Kashmir Road, is situated in an old building. The building style is a copy of Mughal architecture with multifoliate arches and galleries of the style of Lahore Fort. The carvings on the walls are unique rarely seen except in a few places in Pakistan. It is most expedient to preserve this building in its present shape and protect it from interference in any style even on the pretext of improvement / addition and alteration. Periodic cleaning would be necessary, to maintain its glamour.

6.3.2 Ashoka Park The Archaeological remains in Hazara are not numerous, but one is of great interest and importance. This is an inscription on three boulders near the base of Bareri Hill close to Mansehra town, containing the first 13 of the 14 rock edicts of Ashoka (3rd century B.C). A park has been constructed in the locality and efforts made to preserve the rocks. The park speaks of misuse by the public and lack of repairs by the local administration. 6.3.3 Baffa This is an important town in Mansehra district, situated about 12 kilometers north of Mansehra on a link road running parallel to the KKH as Shown in Fig.4-C. The town is historically significant in this area owing to an old cemetry of Turkish soldiers. Many learned scholars and important political leaders were produced here who played vital role in religion and creation of Pakistan. The flora and fauna of this area is well known. When the slopes are covered with a special species of flowers in spring, these present a wonderful and enchanting view to the eyes. Fig.4-C:

6.3.4 Shinkiari After Baffa, Shinkiari is a famous town situated along the KKH at a distance of about 15 kilometers on Siran river bank. Apart from its scenic beauty it is important politically too being home town of a number of political figures. An experimental tea plantation farm under the management of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) has been set up which is reported to be successful. All facilities are available in Shinkiari. The lower Siran Canal head nearby is a site of attraction. The canal takes off from River Siran here. A small Rest House of the Irrigation Department also exists at the head. 6.3.5 Jabori (Dadar valley) Dadar is located on northeast of Shinkiari. Being situated at an altitude, a sanitorium has been constructed for the treatment of patients of chest diseases since very long. The valley beyond is also called Dadar valley, and is interspersed by Siran River. The forests on the hill have thinned out during the course of the years and unless steps for afforestation are taken, the site will lose its beauty which it somewhat presently enjoys. Next to Shinkiari, this is an important stop over for tourists and construction of a small hut will be a positive step towards encouragement of the tourist industry. Jabori is an important settlement of the valley which is located almost in the centre. 6.3.6 Sultan Gali (Dadar Valley) Located at a relatively higher altitude and surrounded by forests Sutan Gali offers beautiful panoramic views all around, especially of

Battal and Chattar Plain. 6.3.7 Chattar plain This is situated near Battal Town on the Karakuram Highway (KKH). This plain, some years back was a deserted site which is now humming with all activities as the highway passes right through the plain. The area has quite a few reasonably good hotels for short term overnight stays for the tourists. On account of its location on higher altitude it has a very pleasant temperature during summer. The water directly drawn from the wells does not need any ice to cool. The place is gaining momentum for the development of physical infrastructure and quite a few facilities are now located along the main road including a few restaurants and a high standard hotel belonging to a Hotel chain of N.W.F.P. 6.3.8 Ichar Canal Head On way to Balakot some 5 Km ahead of Mansehra we cross Ichor nullah. This is flowing from right to left. Here a small canal from this natural nullah called Ichor Canal has been taken. The configuration of the area and the high level location of the winding canal presents a panoramic view of the opposite plain and habitation. The commanding situation here warrants provision of a small scale stop over arrangement for enjoying scenic beauty of the landscape. 6.3.9 Mandher This is a beautiful spot by the road side next to Ichor Canal and short of Batrasi. A small improvised hotel for passers by has been erected

but has no modern facility. The situation of the site offers opportunity to enjoy the hill side slopes on the right with the natural nulla flowing at the foot of the hill. The establishment of a road side facility for the tourists will enable the tourists to enjoy the beauty of nature. 6.3.10 Batrasi

Half a Kilometer away from Batrasi Rest House is a turn on the road with overhanging cliff wherefrom the entire area down below upto Garhi Habibullah is clearly visible, along with the flow pattern of Kunhar River. The cliff is ideally situated for the construction of a picnic spot. The Batrasi Rest House of the C&W deptt. though beautifully placed is not available to tourists. 6.3.11 Atar Shisha

It is a small settlement located on way from Mansehra to Batrasi and offers beautifull natural environment for a short time stay of tourists travelling to the Kaghan Valley. 6.3.12 Qalandar Abad

Located along KKH at a distance of half way between Abbottabad and Mansehra this location is a beautiful spots to be proposed as a tourist facility . 6.3.13 Ghazi Kot Township

It is a new and planned residential area with beautiful natural environment offering many views of scenic beauty .

6.3.14

Gandhian

Located within the vicinity of Mansehra and close to Baffa, Gandhian is known for a stone structure which dates back to Hindu Shahi period . It is said that Hindu women used to visit this place for a desire to have a child. 6.3.15 Zar Dheri

This site is located near village Tumba. This is also an archeological site located near Shinkiari on Dadar Road . There is a stupa here which is as high as 31 feet.

6.3.16

Guli Bagh

Located in the east of Baffa a group of historic building is located at Guli Bagh. These buildings which include Feroza Fort and the Tomb of Hazrat Dewan Raja Baba Sahib are perhaps the most important form historic point of view which are preserved to a great extent.

6.3.17

Icchrian

Located along KKH close to the bridge on River Siran this is a small settlement offering immense natural beauty to the travellers in the area. 6.3.18 Battal

Battal is an important settlement after Mansehra located along KKH which offers a good range of urban facilities and civic amenities . 6.3.19 Garhi Habib Ullah

The small settlement of Garhi Habib Ullah is located at the start of Kaghan Valley along river Kunhar. It is also an important road junction as a road from here links Hazara Division with Muzaffarabad in Azad Kashmir. 6.3.20 Hassa

This is a flat land a little short of Balakot along the right bank of Kunhar River. Efforts have been made to make it a resting place by constructing a seating platform. The site can conveniently be converted into a picnic spot. While proceeding to Balakot, this picnic spot will offer a resting place for tourists. KAGHAN VALLEY 6.3.21 Balakot

Balakot is in fact a gateway to the Kaghan route, since the valley starts from here, as shown in Fig.4-D. This town is of great historic significance as two important religious martyrs are buried here. They are Syed Ahmad Shaheed and Shah Ismail Shaheed. They were killed in Jehad against Sikhs. Fast flowing Kunhar River finds its way here after debouching from the gorge.

PTDC has established a Tourist Information Center (TIC) for the guidance of visiting tourists, individuals and groups. The information center however itself is not well informed about the problems arising out of accessibility to various sites because of road conditions. Moreover, the center is closed on holidays and after office timings whereas the tourists cannot manage to arrive at the center during office hours. 6.3.22 Kiwai

This is a reasonably medium size village and a turning point to Shogran, from the main Balakot-Kaghan road. A C&W Department Rest House exists here but no facility is available for the tourists, as the rest house is not open to tourists. 6.3.23 Shogran

One of the most beautiful sites in Kaghan valley is Shogran. It is located on a side road from Kiwai, 9 kilometers away, with a height of 7,752 feet above the sea level. The flat plain at the top covered with green grass and green shrubs around, thick grooves of pine and deodar tress on adjacent hills, is a gift of nature bestowed on this fascinating spot. Beside the Forest Department Rest House, there are a limited number of hotels to cater to the needs of the tourists. Fig.4-D:

Since the area is going through a fast pace of development which often results in haphazard growth, a master plan for Shogran is urgently needed. A black top road to shogran ha been proposed by the forest department but the pace of work is slow and needs to be accelerated. When completed it will make the steep ascent easy. 6.3.24. Malkandi

Malkandi is situated on south west of Shogran at a distance of about 5 km, which is accessible through Jeep. The reserve forest of Malkandi is rich in its wild life, which includes leopards, monkeys, bears, dear, pheasants and various species if birds. The forest is centuries old and some trees are known to be of thousands years of age. A sign board Look at me,

I am a historical tree, My waist is 24 feet, My height is 200 feet, My arms are 2 feet thick, and, My age is 2,000 years ! found besides one of the trees reads; Such historical monuments are necessarily to be preserved as a remnant of history of which we should be proud. 6.3.25 Siri and Paya

Both Siri and Paya are located close to Shogran. Paya is about 8 km away at the height of about 10,500 feet whereas, Siri is located about 9000 feet above sea level. The area is rich in scenic beauty and

natural attraction. It is told that water is not found in abundance at Paya.

6.3.26

Manur

The thick forest of Manur has many secrets of natural beauty for touris ts ver and unfol d. Locat ed close d an and Malka ndi this forest is one of the oldes to Shogr to disco

t and prese rved in terms of its natur al envir onme nt wild life and flora & fauna . ,

6.3.27

Sheran

This beautiful spot is situated some distance down Shogran. A lake located near here adds tremendous beauty to the area. It has its approach from Paras situated on main Balakot-Kaghan road. The existing facilities are in need of improvement so as to make the place comfortable and attractive for the tourists. A youth hostel is located at Sheran but is seldom used. A WAPDA rest house is also located on the left bank of the lake. 6.3.28 Khanian

Almost midway between Kiwai and Kaghan is situated a small but beautiful village named Khanian. The village by the river side has its usual feature as per other villages such as the river and hill side view. A modern hotel has been constructed across the river which is approachable by a suspension bridge. This building of the hotel has been styled on Chinese design as the roof slopes have been curved back as per design of usual such buildings. 6.3.29 Kaghan

The whole valley is named after this village which clearly indicates its importance from times immemorial. The area around Kaghan is owned by Syed family and partly by local Gujjars. Locals have their old style restaurants which do not come up to standard, nor are there any quality hotels. Since Naran, the attractive site ahead is away through a difficult road, it is imperative that some road side facility on modern lines is established here. This will offer a good deal of relief to the tourists. The facilities should also include a Center for monitoring of the road conditions ahead for proper guidance of the tourists. 6.3.30 This is Naran the terminus of the beautiful part of Kaghan valley and an

important station. This site is plain and wide and has more facilities than any other in the area. This station has its unique characteristics that a 9 kilometers hard climb starts from here to lake Saiful Muluk on the right on its eastern side. A main road from here leads to Babusar Top and onwards to Gilgit. PTDC motels are available here and so also other private good quality hotels. Jeep service of PTDC and private

owners can be hired here for Saiful Maluk or up to Babu Sar. STC has started its helicopter service from Islamabad to this place which will provide good opportunity to expatriates of the different embassies and other organizations. Since the helicopter charges are high, the average tourist will not ordinarily venture to undertake this exercise. As such the charges need to have a revision for scaling down if the tourist activity is to flourish. 6.3.31 Lake Saiful Muluk

This is a legendary site known after the name of one prince by this name who was stated to be in love with a beautiful damsel Badre Jamala. Badre-Jamala means a moon of beauty. An old man said to be a watchman tells this story to the young enthusiastic and romance stricken visitors and earn an estimated amount of Rs. 5,000 to 10,000 per season, by making the story more enchanting and absorbing. Whatever the different versions of the story may be, the lake is situated at a height of 3200 meters above mean sea level. It used to be 1 sq. kilometer in area but surprisingly it has diminished by at least one third in its size during the past quarter of the century. The reduction is witnessed to have been occurring from the hind, the Malika Parbat side by way of debris brought along by glaciers. The awe inspiring Malika Parbat touches the height of 5260 meters. Tourists must have seen man-made lakes but this one by nature is so much enchanting that all artificial arrangements are no match to this. Tourists have rendered the surroundings of the lake unhealthy by litter and solid waste. Necessity has arisen for planning the surrounding hygienic and providing a public park for amusement of

the visitors with suitable proposals for hygiene and solid waste disposal. Restricting discharging flow from the lake is needed to prolong its life. 6.3.32 Lulupat Lake

Further north from Naran on the left lies a beautiful lake known as Lulupat lake, which is not very far from the main Naran-Babu Sar road. Lulupat is in fact the source of Kunhar river and is famous for trout fish. This area is unexplored so far as there is no approach road. The area is best suited for camping by providing temporary huts or tents. Lulupat Lake is situated at an altitude of 13668 feet. 6.3.33 Dudupat Lake

A narrow valley runs towards east from Basal for a distance of about 7 kilometers at the end of which is located a marvel of nature which otherwise is little known to the visitors. The area is only approachable on foot along a small stream of snow melt cold and fresh water. Slopes on both sides are covered with rare species of flowers and wild vegetation. This scenic and beautiful lake is rarely visited due to the lack of appropriate approach.

6.3.34

Lalazar

This is a green plateau on the road to Babusar beyond Naran. The whole area besides being lush green is abundantly full of natural flowers of varieties. It may be mentioned that from here onwards to

Babusar the road is not easily motor able at the moment. Because of the snow cover the road is cleared in reaches, stage by stage, as the snow melts. The area is comparatively plain with beautiful growth of wild grass and seasonal flowers. A Wapda Rest House exists here but no other arrangements have so far been made either by PTDC or STC. 6.3.35 Batakundi

This is the next settlement after Naran and Lalazar on the main NaranBabu Sar road. Those who wish to be away from congestion of Naran take their course to Lalazar and Batakundi. Still higher than Lalazar and Naran, Batakundi throws its cool effect on the tourists with its refreshing air and pleasant cold water. 6.3.36 Basel

Basel is the last human settlement after Naran before approaching the Babu Sar Top. It is a small settlement located right on the main road and offers some basic facilities including eating places, tea shops and others. 6.3.37 Babusar Top

At an altitude of 4,146 meters above the mean sea level, this is the last and highest point of Kaghan valley and a gateway to the Gilgit valley via Chilas. One can see the towering 8,126 meters high Nanga Parbat from here on any clear day.

6.4

BATAGRAM DISTRICT

6.4.1 Batagram Town Located along the main KKH at a distance of about 50 kilometers from Mansehra, Batagram has significant potential to be developed as a tourist resting place to provide tourism and the allied facilities and services to the tourists on their long journey towards north (Fig.4-E). A good quality hotel is already existing in the main bazaar of the town, so are a number of other urban facilities and amenities. 6.4.2 Thakot Bridge Located across River Indus, Thakot Bridge is a beautiful location where tourists can make a short stop over before embarking on the long journey towards Giligt through the dry and rugged mountain passage of KKH . 6.4.3 Hill Spot on way to Alaii There is a beautiful hill spot with cool and extremely pleasant atmosphere located along the way to Alaii. It has tremendous potential to become a tourist attraction if the basic facilities including an approach road is provided in a planned manner.

Fig.4-E:

6.5

KOHISTAN DISTRICT

6.5.1 Dassu Dassu is the headquarter of Kohistan district and is located along the KKH (Fig.4-F). Presently it is not offering many services to the travellers of KKH except a few eating places, a few tea shops and a few shops of ordinary items. A telephone facility links Dassu with the rest of the country. However, there is a scope for the place to become a resting spot for he travellers moving on KKH. 6.5.2 Pattan The small but important settlement of Pattan is located along river Indus before reaching Dassu, the major settlement of Kohistan . Pattan is also a small cantonment area where basic facilities and amenities are available. 6.5.3 Jalkot Valley Starting from Dassu on eastern side of river Indus, the long Valley of Jalkot Nallah runs across Kohistan after being divided into a number of small valleys which ultimately joins with Kaghan Valley. Very few and very small settlements are located along this valley which has nothing much to offer except its very interesting natural landscape, challenging the visitors to scale it down. There are no facilities or amenities of any kind available in the entire valley. 6.5.4 Harban Valley Harban valley starts from a place called Harban across the river Indus and runs south words . The valley offers interesting landscape of high mountains and wilderness . The population size of the valley is negligible and no facilities and amenities exist in the valley.

Fig4-F:

7. 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. However,

Boating is also a popular sport and mode of recreation.

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 iceskating 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 recreation purpose is

Scaling hilly areas and mountains on foot for flora and fauna.

called tracking. It is generally undertaken to enjoy nature, beauty and

8. PROPOSED TOURISM 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, espeicially the tribal values and culture still prevail in Hazara Region. Therefore, certain tourism facilities like bars serving liqour, 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. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. xi. xii.

Hotel Motel Tourist Hostel Restaurant Picnic Spots Roadside Facility Tourist Facilitation Centre Cable Car/ Chair Lift Camping Site Fishing Boating Rafting

xiii. xiv. xv.

Winter Sports Archeological Sites 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

HARIPUR DISTRICT

Traditionally, a part of the Abbottabad District, Haripur has been recently established as a separate district of Hazara Division. Haripur is the first major settlement after Hasanadal where the (KKH) Karakoram Highman starts its long journey all the way up to Gilgit and across the international border in to China. KKH, therefore plays a significant role in the economy of the district. The district is rich in terms of historic and cultural land marks and ruins . Sarkari Bagh, Sarai Saleh, Manikrai, Jholian towards Taxila and Hari Snigh Fort are some of the places of archeological interest. Haripur was perhaps named after the Sikh ruler Hari Singh in the olden days.

There are two major water bodies located in the district, the huge and gigantie Tarbela Lake on River Indus and the relatively smaller Khanpur Lake on River Harro. Both of them were created as a result of the construction of dams for the purpose of irrigation as well

electricity generation.

Being located in close vicinity of the national captial of Ialamabad in the south-east and the divisional headquater of Abbottabad where several tourist facilities are available and also keeping in view the transit role of Haripur for KKH , no hotels, motel or restaurants are proposed to be located in Haripur. The already existing resturants are envisaged to be sufficient to meet the future demand. However,

being the gateway of KKH and the whole of Hazara Division, it is proposed to locate a Tourist Facilitation Centre at Haripur, preferably in the outskirts of the city along the KKH. The small settlement of Darvesh is an adequate location for this purpose. A road side facility is also proposed at Dingi to cater for the needs of the commuters and travellers on KHH.

A road takes off from the KKH after Haripur city to Ghora Gali. Another road side facility is proposed to be located on this road near a settlement called Maqsooda, to provide basic facilities to the tourists travelling to the hill stations of Murree and Galiyat.

Terbela Dam is one of the biggest earthan dams in the world and the bigggest in Pakistan . The lake formed as a result of this dam is stretched over many square kilometers. The left bank of the Dam as well as the lake are located within Haripur District, and during the high water level, the banks of the lake get close to Haripur city, at a distance of 5 to 6 kilometers only. The water flowing down from the gigantic spillway presents an impressive and interesting scene. Many people visit the site to enjoy the spillway scene. There are many

potential spots arround the lake for picnic, boating and fishing. The lake attracts many visitors on week ends and during hloidays. It is proposed to provide these facilities in a more organized and formal manner. A restaurant, a picnic spot together with boating and fishing facilities have been proposed at adequate locations around the lake. The spillway is an extermely suitable location to provide a cable car or chairlift.

Mang have also been identified as potential location to be developed as a picnic spot. By virtue of its location, fishing and boating facilities have also been proposed at Mang.

The new and planned township of Khalabat is located not far from the lake side. It offers a great deal of opportinity to be developed as tourist spot . A picnic spot is proposed to be developed here together with a resturant to cater for the needs of the tourist.

Similar to Terbela, Khanpur Dam is another potential tourist spot. A resturant , a picnic spot together with fishing and boating facilities have been proposed to be located at Khanpur. A brief summary of the tourist facilities proposed in Haripur District is as follows, and also shown in Fig.5-A. A. i) ii) iii) B. Tarbela Khanpur Khalabat Roadside Facilities = 2 Resturants = 3

i) ii) C. i) ii) iii) iv) D. i) E. i)

Dingi Ghora Gali Road Picnic spots = Tarbela Khanpur Khalabat Mang Tourist Haripur Cable Car = Tarbela F. Fishing = Facilitation = 1 Centre 4

i) ii) iii) G. i) ii) iii) H.

Tarbela Khanpur Mang Boating = Tarbela Khanpur Mang

Archeological Sites i) Sarkari Bagh ii) iii) iv) Sarai Sarleh Manikrai Jholian

v)

Hari Singh Fort

Table-1: Proposed Tourist Facilities in Haripur District by Location and Type of Facility

Restaurant

Road side facility

Picnic spot

Tourist Facilitation Center

Cable car

Fishing

Boating

Tarbela Khan pur Khalabat Dingi Ghora Gali Road Mang Hari pur Total

1 1 1 3

1 1 2

1 1 1 1 4

1 1

1 1

1 1 1 3

1 1 1 3

Fig.5-A:

8.2

ABBOTTABAD DISTRICT.

The admisistrative headquarter of the Hazara District, Abbottabad is the largest urban settlement located along the KKH. Abbotabad

enjoys a pleasent climate which is the main reason that a number of good qnality education institutions are located here. The most significant aspect of abbottabad is its cantornment which covers more then 70 percent of its built up area. Pakistan Military Acadomy (PMA) is also located at nearby Kakul. Ayub Medical complex is another sngnifict activity located at Abbottabad. KKH passes almost through Abbottabad and acts as its major life line .

There are a number of hotels and restaurants in Abbottabad which are located along KKH to cater for the needs of the tourists as well as the visitors. A Tourist Information Centre is also located and operated by PTDC. However, the performance of this centre is much below the expectations. It only operates during office working hours and during the working days of the week. Whereas, the tourists during the season have no fixed times to arrive at Abbottabad or to pass through it. The location of this centre is also not very prominent. It is suggested to provide at least 2 more hotels, one motel, one Tourist Hostel and a Tourist Facilitation Centre at Abbottabad to cater for the present as well as future needs. Additionally, it is planned to provide a Camping Ground to supplement the future demand for accommidation.

Abbottabad offers an execllent location to provide indoor winter sports, an lce Skating Dome is therefore proposed to be located at Abbottabad.

Shimla Hill in Abbottabad is already an established picnic spot. It is proposed to further strengthen this activity by locating a restaurant here. Nawan Shehr is another potential spot known for its springs which provides most of the drinking water to Abbottabad . A picnic spot is proposed to be developed at Nawan Shehr. A road turns west from Abbottabad and leads up to another beautiful hill top known as sherwan. Keeping in view its location ,distance from Abbottabad and number of expected visitors, a road side facility is thought to be sufficient for sherwam.

Thandiani is a well known and established hill station located in the vicinity of Abbottabad. A road from Dhamtour after a steep aseend takes to the top of the hill. The surroundings are green, beautiful and covered with thick forests. A motel is very much required to be located at Thandani. A cable car is also proposed here due to its adequate topograpy and location . It is also proposed to locate a Dome for inside winter sports including Ice Skating at Thandiani. The natural

environment and topography of Thandiani offer excellent trecking routes. It is proposed to develop an adequate trecking route for this purpose .

GULLIYAT.

Gulliyat area located in the east of Abbottabad is already an established tourist area where a large number of tourists come

throughout the year. It is comprised of a number of small setllements known a Galis with Nathiagali as the centrre .The road from Abbottabad to Gulliyat connects all these settlements and leads upto

Murree the most famous Hill station in Pakistan.

Based on the enormous potential, Gulliyat has been considered as a special case and tourist facilities have been proposed after careful study. A number of facilities including hotels, motels and restaurants already exist in Gulliyat, most of them at Nathia Gali which is also the summer capital of NWFP . STC has recently taken possession of few tourist huts called chelets for the purpose of tourism development in the area.

The proposals made in this Master Plan include the

provision of at

least one more hotel, one tourist hostel and one motel at Nathiagali. A Tourist Facilities Centre is also proposed to be located at Nathiagali being the centre of Gulliyat Area. Nathia gali is also a suitable place for cable car which can be intergrated with already existing facilities at Ayubia and Patriata in Punjab. A Dome for winter sports will be an added attraction for Nathiagali. The environment and topography very much suggest the provision of at least 4 trecking routes in addition to the already existing ones.

As a matter of fact, the whole if Gulliyat is full of potential to be developed for tourism. Spots of natural beauty are scattered all around in abundance. The road section from Bara Gali to Khaira Gali is full of thick forests and views of natural beauty. It is proposed to plan and develop at least 5 picnic spots on locations including Changla Gali, Bara Gali, Kala Bagh, Dunga Gali and Khaira Gali. Road side facilities are also proposed to be located at Bara Gali, Kalabagh, Dunga Gali, and Khauira Gali. A road from Gulliyat leads to Azad Kashmir through

Kohala. It is proposed to provide a roadside facility at an appropriate location along this road.

Following is the summery of the proposals made for Abbottabad District is terms of various tourist facilities, which are also shown in Fig.5-B.

A. i) ii) iii) Abbottabad Abbotabad Nathiagali

Hotel

B. i) ii) iii) iv) Abbottabad Nathiagali Ayubia Thandrani Fig.5-B:

Motel

C. i) ii) Abbottabad Nathia Gali

Tourist Hostel

D. i) ii) Abbottabad Changlagali

Restaurant

E. i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) Bara Gali Kalabagh Durga Gali Khania Gali Kohala Road Sherwari

Road Side Facility

F.

Picnic Spots = i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) Abbottabad Changlagli Baragali Kalabagh Durga Gali Khaira Gali Tourist Facilities Centre= 2 i) ii) Abbottabad Nathiagali 6

G.

H.

Cable Car 2 i) ii) Nathiagali Thandiani

I.

Camping Ground 2 i) ii) Abbottabad Nathiagali

J.

Trecking Routes 4 i) ii) iii) iv) Nathiagali Nathiagali Nathiagali Thandiai

K.

Winter sports 3 i) ii) iii) Abbottabad Nathiagali Thandain

L.

Archeological Sites i) ii) Dhamtour Ilyasi Mosque

Table 2: Proposed Tourist Facilities in Abbottabad District by Location and Type of Facility Hot el Mot el Touri st Host el Abbottaba d Nathiagali Thandians Ayubia Changla Gali Bara Gali Kalabagh Dunga Gali Khaira Gali 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 Rest aura nt Roadsi de Facility Picni c Spot Tourist Facilitati on Centre 1 1 Cabl e Car Campin g Ground Tra cki ng Winte r Sport s 1

Kohala Road Sherwan Total

1 6

8.3

MANSEHRA DISTRICT

The main areas of tourist activity at present are seen along the KKH and the beautiful Kaghan Valley which forms the north -eastern part of the District. There are several places of interest for tourists in and around Mansehra city including ruins of old Gandhara civilization and the beautiful scecnic locations.

The road from Abbottabad to Mansehra offers exciting secnes of natural beauty. Qalandarabad and Ghazikot Township are potenial spots to be developed into picnic areas. Mansehra city itself has many attractions for the tourists. Ashoka rocks and an old building in main bazar which is presently used as CIA police post, are worth to

mention. The village of Gandhian, ruins at Shinkiari, Zar Dheri, Guli Bagh and old Turkish graveyard at Baffa are other place of interest. Mansehra city offers many facilities to the tourists including hotels and resturants. However, it is proposed to add at least one more hotel to cater for the future needs. As Mansehra is also the gateway to Khaghan Valley it is proposed to locate a Tourist Facilities Centre here.

Moving along the KKH Icchrian, Baffa, Shinkiari, and Chattarplain are potential areas. It is proposed to develop picnic spots at Icchrian, Battal and chattarplain , whereas roadside facilities should be provided at Baffa, Shinkiari and Battal. A motel is also proposed to be located at Chattar plain.

Dadar was once a

beautiful valley full of thick forests. The wood

cutting activity which has taken place unabated in this valley has deprived it of its beauty . However, it still remanis an attraction of

natural beauty . It is proposed to provide picnic spots at Jabori, an important settlement of the valley and at Sultan Gali, which is located at relatively high altitude. Being located along KKH, Shinkiari is an appropriate location to provide camping facilities which will also serve the Dadar Valley. Another camping facility is proposed to be located at Chattar plain, an execllent location for this purpose. A road from Mansehra after crossing a mountain rounge meets River Kunhar at Garhi Habib Ullah and leads in to the Kaghan Valley through Balakot. The whole stretch of road is full of natural and scenic beauty that one feels extremely difficult to choose among the alternate sites . However , it is proposed to provide one picnic spot on a suitable spot where the Icchar Canal crosses the main road. A road sides facility is also proposed to be located here. Another picnic spot is proposed at Batrasi which has considurable potential due to its natural surrounds. It is also proposed to provide a motel here to provide accommedation for night stays. A road side facility is proposed at a location close to a settlement called Atar Shishah.

This road meets River Kunhar at Garhi Habib Ullah which is also the junction of the road to Muzaffarabad in Azad Kashmir. It is proposed to locate a roadside facility at Garhi Hbib Ullah. From here the road runs along River Kunhar throughout in Kaghan valley. Between Garhi Habib Ullah and Balakot, a place called Hassa is a potential beautiful spot. A picnic spot along the river together with a roadside facility are proposed to be located here.

Balakot is the first and the largest settlement of Kaghan Valley, which is located at the entrance of the valley. The city already offers a

number of facilities including hotels and resturants. Most tourists have to stay in Balakot if they can not reach Kaghan or Naran during the safe hours of the day or if the road is closed due to land sliding. In order to meet the future demand, it is proposed to provide at least one hotel in Balakot, a tourist hostel, a motel and a restaurant.

Balakot is also suitable for fishing in River Kunhar. It is proposed to develop appropriate fishing facilities in the vicinity. Balakot is also famous for its historic monuments. The tombs of Syed Ahmad Shaheed and Syed Ismail Shaheed, the two freedom fighters who were martyred in 1857 are burried here.

KAGHAN VALLEY

Stretching from Balakot to the Babusar Pass, for a distance of about 161 kilometers the famous Khaghan Valley is already a popular destination for many tourists . The valley has several attractive places of natural and scenic beauty. River Kunhar runs in the centre of the narrow valley, while the main road runs along the river . From Kiwai a road turns into the small valley of Shogran. It is proposed to provide a roadside facility at Kiwai. A recently built Tourist Information Centre needs to be upgraded into a Tourist Facilities Centre in order to provide a wide range of services to the tourists, especially to the Shogran area. Shogran is an awfully beautiful place surrounded by the green thick forests and abundace of wild life. The famous Manur and Malkandi forests with centuries old trees are located near by with the famous peaks of Siri and Paya. Many tourist facilities are fast comming up in Shogran but in an unplanned fashion. It is proposed to provide

at least one hotel and one motel at Shogran to cater for the future needs of the tourists, together with an adequate camping area. It is also proposed to provide a picnic spot at an adequate location in Shogan. In order to further enhance the attraction of this place, a cable car is also proposed to be located here. The natural enviroment of Shogran is most suitable for trecking. It is proposed to plan and develop a trecking route in Shogran. As said carlier, Malkandi forest has tremendous tourist attraction, therefore, it is proposed to provide a picnic spot there and also a restaurant to cater for the tourists.

Sheran is another beautiful location on the other side of the River Kunhar. It is located on a high altitude, and is surrounded by thick forests. A motel is proposed to be located at Sheran. A picnic spot is also proposed to add to the beauty of the area. Sheran is also suitable for trecking, therefore a trecking route is proposed to be located here.

Moving on towards Kaghan

from Kiwai, Khanian is a beautiful spot

with interesting natural setting beside the river. It is proposed to provide a picnic spot here with a roadside facility to cater for the visitors.

After a long and interesting journey, one reaches at Kaghan, the main settlement in the valley. The town of Kaghan provides many facilities to the tourists including hotels, police station and few government offices. In addition to the existing facilities, it is proposed to provide at least one more hotel at Kaghan and also one motel. Being the main centre of the valley , a Tourist Facilitation Centre is also proposed at Kaghan.

Although Kaghan is a major settlement of the valley, most tourists like to reach at and stay in Naran located further in north on the main road. Many tourist facilities including hotels, motels, restaurants, camping grounds etc. are presently available at Naran. In order to meet the future demand and to enhance the future role of Naran as a centre of tourist activities, it is proposed to provide two more hotels, one tourist hostel, one motel, one restaurant and an additional camping site in Naran. It is also proposed to provide fishing facilities at suitable locations along River Kunhar at Naran.

The challenging sport of rafting is common at many places in the world including the United State and some countries in Europe. The conditions in River Kunhar are most suitable for this game, which however, requires special arrangements to be made. Summer is the best season for this game. It is proposed to hold rallies/competitions of rafting on annual / seasonal basis.

The most attractive place in the whole of Kaghan valley is certainly the magical Lake Saiful Muluk, located at a distance of about 6 kilometers from Naran towards the east. the consultants have prepared a separate proposal for the

development of rest and

recreation facilities at the Lake which

include double storey four unit villas, restaurant, camping ground, parking, recreation park and other support facilities to be located at an appropriate place by the side of the lake . A cable car is also proposed as an alternate access to the lake.

Moving on towards north, the main road takes to Batakundi, a small settlement located by the road side. Lalazar is a beautiful and attractive spot here and many tourists like to visit it during the season. It is in fact a natural picnic spot. A camping site is proposed to be developed at Lalazar with a roads side facility to cater for the needs of the visitors.

Basal is the next settlement along the main road. Two beautiful small lakes of tremendous attraction are located in its vicinity. One of them is known as Lulupat sar. Presently no facility exists in the area. It is proposed to provide a motel at Basal as well as a camping site at an adequate location. Tracking from Basal to Dudupat Sar, the other beautiful lake is an exciting experience. It is strongly recommended to provide appropriate access to the lake.

The tourist facilities proposed in Mansehra district have been summarized as follows, and shown in Fig.5-C and Fig.5-D.

A. i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) Mansehra Balakot Shogran Kaghan Naran Lake Saiful Muluk

Hotel

Fig.5-C

Fig.5-D

B. i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) vii) viii) Balakot Shogran Kaghan Naran Batrasi Basel Chattar Plan Sheran

Motel

C.

Tourist Hostel 2 i) ii) Balakot Naran

D.

Restaurant 4 i) ii) iii) iv) Balakot Naran Malkandi Batakundi

E.

Road Side Facilities 10 i) ii) iii) iv) Iechar Canal Atar Shishah Garhi Habib Ullah Hassa

v) vi) vii) viii) ix) x)

Kiwai Khanian Lalazar Baffa Shinkiari Battal

F. i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) vii) viii) ix) x) xi) xii) xiii) xiv) Shogran Batrasi Chattar Plan Sheran Malakandi Icchar Canal Hassa Khanian Battal Qalandarabad Ghazikot Jabori Iccharian Sultan Gali

Picnic spot

14

G.

Tourist Facilitation Centre 3 i) ii) iii) Mansehra Kaghan Kiwai

H. i) ii) Shogran Lake Saiful Muluk

Cable Car

I.

Camping Ground 7 i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) vii) Shogran Naran Lake Saiful Muluk Besal Chattar Plain Lalazar Shinkiari

J.

Tracking Routes 4 i) ii) iii) iv) Shogran Basel Sheran Sultan Gali Fishing 2 i) ii) Balakot Naran

K.

L.

Rafting 1 i) Naran

M.

Archeological Sites i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) Ashoka Park Baffa Gandhian Zar Dheri Guli Bagh Historic Building at Mansehra

Table 3. Proposed Tourist Facilities in Mansehra District by Location and Type of Facility
Hote ls Mot el Touri st Host els Restaura nts Roadsi de Facilit y Picnic spots Tourist Facilita tion Centre Cabl e Car Campi ng Tracki ng

Mansehra Balakot Shogran Kaghan Naran Lake Saiful. M Batrasi Basel Chattar plain Sheran Malkandi Battakundi Icchar Canal

1 1 1 1 2 1 -

1 1 1 2 1 -

1 1 -

1 1 1 1 -

1 1 1 1 1 1

1 1 -

1 1 -

1 1 1 1 1 -

1 1 1 -

Atar Shishah Garhi Habib Ullah Hassa Kiwai Khanian Lalazar Baffa Shinkiari Battal Qalandarba d Ghazikot Jabori Icchrian on KKH Sultan Gali Total

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 10

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 14

1 3

1 1 7

1 4

8.4

BATAGRAM DISTRICT

Recently established district of Batagram was previously a part of the Mansehra District. KKH is the main activity area of the district which is other wise comprised of mainly barren hills. There are not many places of tourism attraction in Batagram except the KKH itself. It is proposed to provide a restaurant at Batagram and another one at an appropriate location before Alaii. A picnic spot is also proposed to be located here. Thakot bridge is a fascinating site located across River Indus. A road side facility is proposed to be located beside the bridge to cater for the needs of the travellers. The location is also suitable to provide a picnic spot here. Old ruins of Batagram are certainly an attraction for the visitors which should be exposed and made accessible. The tourist facilities proposed in Batagram District are follows, which are also shown in Fig.5-E.

A. i) ii) Batagram Alaii

Restaurant

B. i) Thakot Bridge

Roadside Facility =

C. i) ii) Alaii Thakot Bridge

Picnic spots

Fig.5-E

Table 4:

Proposed

Tourist

Facilities

in

Batagram

District

by

location and Type of Facility

RESTAURANT Batagram Alaii Thakot Bridge ................ TOTAL 2 .......... 1 1

ROADSIDE FACILITIES -

PICNIC SPOT 1

1 1

...................

1 2

............

8.5

KOHISTAN DISTRICT

This is the largest district of Hazara Division in terms of area and perhaps the smallest in terms of population, which is all scattered within the few narrow and mostly inaccessible valleys which are surrounded by the world's highest mountain ranges. It occupies the northern most part of the division and is totally a rural region, with no urban settlement. Most of Kohistan consists of barren mountains with little vegetation. Dassu is the only settlement with some hundred houses located along the KKH, which is the main road passing through the area. River Indus flows along the road. Pattan settlement which is relatively larger in size. is another

While travelling on KKH, Kohistan starts after crossing Indus from Thakot bridge. The road then touches Shangla District of Malakand Division and passes through Besham of Shangla, where a number of tourist facilities including hotels and restaurants are already existing. A PTDC Motel is also located at Besham. Besham actually acts as an important transit station for the traffic on KKH. Pattan of Kohistan is located next to Besham. It is proposed to provide a motel at Pattan, which is also a cantonment. Few hotel and restaurant facilities already exist in Dassu located next to Pattan and an important settlement before Chilas of Gilgit Agency. An additional hotel facility is proposed for Dassu to cater for the future needs of the tourists travelling on KKH to the Norther Areas. Although Jalkot Valley and Harban Valley have been identified as potential sites, it is not proposed to locate any facility there due to the limited potential, lack of services and security purposes.

Following facilities are therefore proposed to be located in Kohistan. A. i) B. i) Hotel : Dassu Motel : Pattan 1 1

Table 5: Proposed Tourist Facilities in Kohistan District by Location and Type of Facility. HOTEL Dassu Pattan TOTAL 1 1 MOTEL 1 1

It is worth to mention here that recently old ruins have been discovered in Kohistan area near the settlement of Pattan which

gained national fame when by chance an old lady found a golden bracelet weighing as much as 45 kilograms. The place has potential for further excavations to unearth more ruins and relics to gain considerable tourism potential for the district.

9. PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS.

The experience has revealed the fact that rational development is necessarily based on integrated development. Development particular sector needs a great deal of integration with of a 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.

9.1

ROADS

9.1.1 Haripur District

Haripur district has excellent road links with rest of the country through KKH and G.T. Road from Hasanabdal. A good quality road network exists within the district linking various important locations of tourism interest. All the tourist facilities proposed in Haripur District

are linked with KKH through good quality all weather access roads. The archeological sites of Sarkari Bagh, Sarai Saleh, Manikrai, Jholain and Hari Singh Fort are also easily accessible, therefore no new road project or major improvement to existing roads have been proposed.

9.1.2 Abbottabad District

Abbottabad District is also served by good quality communication network including roads and a regular commercial helicopter service by PIA between Abbottabad and Islamabad. KKH is the major regional highway, whereas Abbottabad Nathiagali Murree Road is another important road link.

Most

of

the in

tourist

facilities are

proposed

Abbottabad

located in close vicinity to each other and are accessible by road. Abbottabadpresently upgraded Nathiagali being and the road is

improved/ work is in

progress. Once the work on this road is completed the whole of Gullyiat will get an excellent links both with Abbottabad on the one end and Murree on the other.

Road to Thandiani is also of reasonable quality, however needs periodic maintenance, which is a routine work for the Highway

Department. Road to Sherwan in the west is also of reasonable quality requiring only routine maintenance works. Therefore no new road project or any major road improvement is proposed in Abbottabad District.

9.1.3 Mansehra District

Mansehra District is also served by KKH and most places of tourist potential including archeological sites are located along KKH.

However, road in Dadar valley needs improvement and upgrading upto Jabori from Shinkiari. A road section from Baffa to Guli Bagh also needs improvement.

Road linking Mansehra with Balakot

passing through Batrasi

and Garhi Habib Ullah is going through improvement and the work is already in progress. Road from Balakot to the end of Kaghan valley, however, needs major improvement work to cater for the future needs. It is proposed to upgrade the Balakot-Naran section to a 2-lane single carriageway road with improved turning design. The road from Naran to Bassel also needs to be improved as a single lane single carriage way all weather road.

Road leading to Shogran from Kiwai is presently undergoing major improvement work, but an approach from Shogran to Malkandi needs to be provided. Similarly, road section from Paras to Sheran also requires major improvement and

upgrading.

Some kind of road improvement work on the Naran - Lake Saiful Muluk is already in progress upto some distance

where the glacier is lying. The work needs to be completed right upto the lake. This project component is however, covered under a separate study for Lake Saiful Muluk taken by the consultants.

Following road projects have been identified in Mansehra District

A)

New Road Projects

i)

Shogran-Malkandi

B)

Road Improvement Project

i) ii)

Shinkiari-Jabori Baffa-Guli Bagh

iii) Balakot-Naran iv) v) vi) 9.1.4 Naran-Bassel Naran-Lake Saiful Muluk Paras-Sheran Batagram District

The few tourism facilities proposed in Batagram District are all located along KKH, therefore have no accessibility problem as such. The only place in need of the road

connection is the recreation area proposed near all weather new road link is proposed here.

Alaii. An

Road

projects

identified

in

Batagram

District

are

as

follows.

A)

New Road Projects

i)

Batagram-Alaii

B)

Road Improvement Projects

i)

None.

9.1.5

Kohistan District

Similar to

Batagram, the proposed tourist facilities in

Kohistan are all located along the KKH, therefore have no accessibility problem. The ruins where the 45 kilogram

golden bracelet

was discovered, however needs to be made

accessible if the archeology department decides to carry out further excavation and make it a tourist point. This will certainly require a new road section to be built.

9.2

WATER SUPPLY

9.2.1

Haripur District

As all the proposed tourist facilities are located close to an existing settlement where water is available, therefore

no major water projects have been proposed in Haripur . At few places where the network work needs will extension be to the and

specific

sites,

the

actual

identified

estimated at the time of project designing, therefore, no major works are identified at this stage.

9.2.2

Abbottabad District

All the proposed tourist facilities proposed in Abbottabad district Gulliyat are area concentrated within or in Abbottabad the city and in

near

existing

human

settlements. Thandiani and Sherwan are the only isolated locations. Water is supplied to basis and there is no these settlement on local of drinking water,

shortage

therefore no projects have been identified in this regard.

9.2.3

Mansehra District

Similar to Abbottabad , all the proposed tourist facilities in Mansehra District are located within or close to a human settlement where adequate drinking water is available from alternate sources. However, specific sites proposed to be developed as tourist facility will be supplied from a

nearby sources which will become a part of the detailed design of the tourist facilities if and when it is required.

The isolated locations of Chatter Plain, Jabori,

Sharan,

Malkandi, Batakundi, Lalazar, Lake Saiful Muluk and Besal require adequate water supply schemes to serve the tourist facilities either in provided terms of respectively major for each one of them, the

improvement/extension

of

existing

network or the provision of new schemes.

Therefore, water supply schemes for Mansehra District are as follows.

A)

New Water Supply Schemes i) ii) Malakandi Chattar Plain

iii) Lalazar iv) Lake Saiful Muluk

B)

Improvement/extension of the Existing Network i) ii) Jabori Sheran

iii) Batakindi iv) Basel

9.2.4

Batagram District

The few tourist facilities proposed in Batagram District are located town at Batagram town and near Alaii. the While

Batagram

has

adequate

water

supply,

proposed

restaurant and the picnic spot proposed at Alaii will need some source of water supply.

A)

New Water Supply Schemes

i)

Alaii

9.2.5

Kohistan District

The

tourist

facilities

of

Kohistan

are

proposed

to

be

located

at Dassu and Pattan, both having adequate water

supply system therefore no new project has been identified.

9.3

SEWERAGE

Availability of the sewerage facility has been considered only to the locations where hotels, motels and restaurants have been proposed and they include as follows:

9.3.1

Haripur District

No hotel or motel facility has been proposed in Haripur district. Restaurants have been proposed at Tarbela,

Khanpur and Khalabat. Localized sewerage schemes for these sites will need to be developed as an integral part of the individual design of each location, therefore no major

scheme is proposed for Haripur District.

9.3.2

Abbottabad District

All proposed hotels, motels and restaurants are proposed to

be located at Abbottabad, Nathiagali, Ayubia and Changla Gali. Abbottabad and Nathiagali already have sewerage

disposal systems, whereas Ayubia and Changla Gali are both hilly areas where sewerage disposal can be carried out

without providing a major disposal network. Therefore no sewerage system has been proposed for Abbottabad District.

9.3.3

Mansehra District

All the hotels, motels and restaurants in Mansehra District are proposed to be located at Mansehra, Balakot, Shogran, Kaghan, Naran, Sheran, Lake Saiful Muluk, Batrasi, Chatter plain, Batakundi and Besal. Some kind of sewage disposal system already exist at Mansehra, Balakot, Kaghan and

Naran. However, appropriate arrangements need to be made for Shogran, Sheran, Lake Saiful Muluk, Batakundi, Batrasi and Chattar Plain. Therefore the sewerage schemes identified is Mansehra Basel,

District are as follows.

A)

New Sewerage Schemes

i) ii)

Shogran Sheran

iii) Lake Saiful Muluk iv) v) vi) Batakndi Basel Batrasi

vii) Chattar Plain

B)

Improvement of Existing Sewerage Network

i) ii)

Mansehra Balakot

iii) Kaghan iv) Naran

9.3.4

Batagram District

No sewerage system proposed for Batagram District.

9.3.5

Kohistan District

No sewerage system proposed for Kohistan District.

9.4

SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL

Solid

waste

collection

and

disposal

is

an

important

municipal facility with respect to the general cleanliness and healthy environment. This is one of the most crucial environmental issue which has been generally and grossly neglected. It has also been mentioned as a serious problem by a large number of foreign tourists interviewed as part of this study. at all It or Most the is urban settlements systems either are to have no

system

prevailing

extremely

inefficient.

therefore

proposed

established

efficient and effective solid waste collection and disposal systems at all the proposed tourism facilities.

9.4.1

Haripur

Both Haripur and Khalabat have existing systems carried out by the local agencies which need improvement. New

arrangements need to be made at Tarbela, Khanpur and Mang.

A. New Areas: i. ii. Tarbela Khanpur

iii. Mang

B. Improvement Areas: i. ii. Haripur Khalabat

9.4.2

Abbottabad District

Abbottabad, Thandiani and the settlements in Gulliyat have existing systems for solid waste collection and disposal. However, all these settlements need major improvement in their functions and level of service to meet the future demand.

Improvement Areas:

All existing settlements in Gulliyat Area

9.4.3

Mansehra District

Almost all the settlements where tourist facilities have been proposed have some sort of formal or informal system for the collection and disposal of soiled waste. However, all of them invariably require varying degrees of

improvement both in area coverage as well as the level of service.

A.

New Areas:

i. ii.

Lake Saiful Muluk Lalazar

iii. Batakundi iv. v. vi. Basel Lake Lulupat Lake Dudupat

B.

Improvement Areas:

All existing settlements 9.4.4 Batagram District

The existing system at Batagram town needs improvement.

9.4.5

Kohistan District

The

existing

systems

both

at

Pattan

and

Dassu

need

improvements.

9.5. ELECTRICITY

Electricity is one of the basic necessities of modern day life. As a matter of fact it is a sign of life in any human settlements. Electricity to most major urban settlements in the Division is supplied through the national WAPDA grid system. It is also locally generated through small hydel power generators or thermal power plants.

9.5.1

Haripur District

All

proposed

tourist

facilities where power

in

Haripur is

are

located

around

settlements

supply

available,

therefore no electrification project is proposed.

9.5.2

Abbottabad District

All proposed tourist facilities in Abbottabad are located around settlements where power supply is available,

therefore no electrification project is proposed.

9.5.3

Mansehra District

All

proposed

tourist

facilities where power

in

Mansehra supply is

are

located

around

settlements

available,

therefore no electrification project is proposed. However, small scale thermal power generation is proposed for the new development around Lake Saiful Muluk, Batakandi and

Basel.

9.5.4

Batagram District

All

proposed

tourist

facilities where power

in

Batagram supply is

are

located

around

settlements

available,

therefore no electrification project is proposed.

9.5.5

Kohistan District

All

proposed

tourist

facilities where power

in

Kohistan supply is

are

located

around

settlements

available,

therefore no electrification project is proposed.

9.6

TELEPHONE

Like electricity, telephone is also a basic urban necessity . It becomes more important in case of emergencies, as most domestic tourists like to stay in touch with their

families, friends ,relatives and business concern during their vacations. Availability of the telephone facility for the purpose of this Master Plan is considered only for

places where hotel and motel facilities are proposed.

9.6.1

Haripur District

Both Haripur and Khalabat are well connected with other cities through the nation wide dialing system. All proposed tourist facilities are located within easy access of

Haripur, therefore no additional proposals has been made.

9.6.2

Abbottabad District

All

hotel

and

motel

facilities

proposed

in

Abbottabad

District are located either in Abbottabad city or Gulliyat area, and both have good telecommunication network with the rest of the country, therefore no additional proposal have been made in this regard.

9.6.3

Mansehra District

The

proposed

hotel in

and

motel

facilities Shogran, city

are

mostly and with

concentrated Naran. While

Mansehra, is

Balakot, the only

Kaghan

Mansehra

connected

nationwide direct dialing system, all other locations are extremely deficient in this respect. Only single line

telephone exchange are located at other places which are connected through Mansehra and that also only during the normal working hours which extend from 8.00 a.m to 2.00 pm. It is strongly proposed to provide telephone exchange

facilities both at Balakot and Kaghan to provide better telecommunication network in the Kaghan Valley.

9.6.4

Batagram District

Presently

Batagram

is

connected with rest

to of

Mansehra the country.

for A

telecommunication

links

telephone exchange of adequate lines to have an easy and direct link.

is required in order

9.6.5

Kohistan District

Presently

Kohistan

is

connected with rest

to of

Mansehra the country.

for A

telecommunication

link

telephone exchange of adequate lines

is required to be

located at Dassu in order to have an easy and direct link.

Fig.6-A

Fig.6-B

Fig.6-C

Fig.6-D

Fig.6-E

Fig.6-F

10. PROPOSED CIVIC AMENITIES

Civic amenities essential for tourism activities include appropriate security arrangements (police) , post offices, Health Facilities, Banks and Shopping Areas. Each one of them has been discussed separately as under, and shown in Fig.7-A, B, C, D, E and Fig.7-F.

10.1 POLICE

Security to the life and belongings of the tourists is one of the most of important tourism factors in any for area. the promotion presence and is

development

Police

essential as a curative as well as preventive measure. The mere presence of police personnel may avert many untoward incidents.

Hazara is relatively a safe area in terms of crimes related to tourists . Not many major crimes involving tourists are on the record . However, disputes regarding money matters are common place with hotels and restaurants owners, tour operators and porters.

There is an adequate network of police security in Hazara Region in terms of area coverage and level of service. There are regular police stations, police posts and check posts located at all strategic locations. In addition to the existing facilities , it is proposed to provide them at the following locations in order to ensure the safety of

the tourists.

i. ii.

Jabori (Dadar Valley) Batakundi

iii. Basel

10.2 POST OFFICES

Post

Offices

are

located including

at

almost

every

settlement Keeping

in in

Hazara

Division,

the

remote

areas.

view the existing coverage, level of service and the future needs, no additional facilities have been proposed for the area.

10.3 HEALTH FACILITIES

Availability available in

of

emergency is

health

care

facility

readily for

time

another

essential

requirement

tourism activity. A number of health facilities of varying levels both in public and private sectors are available in the Division ranging from the biggest medical complex to the smallest rural health centre. They include Basic District Health

Headquarter

Hospitals,

Tahsil

Hospitals,

Units(BHU) and Rural Health Centers (RHC). Some kind of basic (fist-aid) health facility is available at most of the locations where tourist facilities have been proposed to be located. However, additional health facilities are

proposed to be provided at the following locations:

i) ii)

Shogran Sheran

iii) Lake Saiful Muluk iv) v) vi) Batakundi Basel Jabori (Dadar Valley)

10.4 BANKS

The availability of banking services are another essential requirement for tourists to exchange the foreign currency, to encash 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, standard hotels also provide

this facility, therefore no additional facilities have been proposed in the 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 The exist include the of all handicrafts reasonable the major

manufactured quality and

locally. variety

shopping in

areas

almost

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. TRANSPORTATION
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

Hazara

has

so

far

been

relying

on

the

Islamabad

and

Peshawar provided

airports to any flight and

for air transport, as air link was not place of in Hazara. However, a regular between alternate

commercial Islamabad

helicopter Keeping

now in

operates view the

Abbottabad.

modes of rail and road transport available in Hazara, no specific proposals for air transport have been made in the Master Plan.

During 1996 a helicopter service was also inaugurated and operated on experimental basis from Islamabad to the Lake Saiful Muluk by the name of "STC COPTER SAFARI".

Apparently,

the

experiment

has

not

brought

fruitful

results. While the idea remain valid and economically and operationally viable, adequate steps to make it successful should be taken after a through study.

11.2 RAIL TRANSPORT

Pakistan Railways has extended its services upto Havelian in Abbottabad District. This link is extended on the other side upto Rawalpindi and the stations which fall on the way are Wah, is Haripur also and used Taxila. for goods Besides trains. passengers, However, this

section

little

evidence is available about tourists using rail as a common mode of transport, mainly due to the reason that tourists do no prefer to make a journey break at Havelian to reach Abbottabad, Hazara, Mansehra or other the tourist destinations transport in is

especially

when

alternate

road

available without any journey break and change of mode. Keeping in view little potential, no proposal has been made regarding the rail transport.

11.3 ROAD TRANSPORT

There are commonly two sectors of transport by road, which are as follows.

a) b)

Private transport Public transport

Various modes of transport available in the region are as follows.

i)

Buses

Buses

are

operating

both

in

private

as

well

as

public

sectors to all the major cities located along KKH. Buses rented by group of tourists sometimes go as far as to

Kaghan. Bus service is also available in Gulliyat area of Abbottabad.

ii)

Flying Coaches

18 to 20 seater flying coaches, both air an conditioned also operate along the

conditioned nonKKH, Abbottabad-

Gulliyiat Area and Kaghan Valley. They go upto Naran if the road condition allows.

iii) Suzuki Vans

Suzuki

vans

are

available

to

commute

to

the

smaller

towns/villages off the main roads in the relatively plain areas of Hazara.

vi)

Jeeps

4-

Wheel

drive,

to

10

seater

jeeps

operate

in

the

difficult areas of the Region which include the area from Naran to Lake Saiful Muluk, Naran to Babusar and into the Shogran area. The jeeps are hired for a single journey, around trip or on daily basis. The jeep operators have formed a Society in Kaghan who looks after the interests of the jeep operators in terms of rent, timings and operations. 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 viii) Rickshaw fare is negotiated.

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 and areas where vehicular movement operate of any sort Naran is to not Lake

possible horses and mules are available to carry the goods tourists. They normally from

Saiful Muluk and in the area further north from Naran. 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 as compared to those available and comfort is very poor 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) The operations of Lack of regular service generally In depend some upon of the the will of areas the no

transporter or the driver and there are no fixed routes or timings operation. remote 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 Facilities Transport terminals should be located at appropriate sites and general condition of the transport terminals including waiting improved. areas, toilets and booking offices should be of Terminal

12. ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT

12.1 THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT The Hazara Division comprises of both vast plain areas

surrounded by hills and high mountains with wide valleys. The plain of Abbottabad is located in between the river Jehlum and river Indus. Other significant rivers are river Kunhar and River Siran. There are other numerous channels and streams flowing within the division which actually are the tributaries of the big rivers. The specific topographic features, lofty mountains, green dense forests, valleys 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. In addition, of there are some important facilities man-made . Thus, dams at

Tarbela and Khanpur, where the consultants have proposed a number various tourism Hazara Division presents a good case study for EIA, and a proven situation where an unplanned tourism facility can cause an ecological disaster, the deforestation of Mansehra is a case in point. 12.2 TOURISM FACILITIES. A large number of various tourism facilities have been

proposed

in

this

Master

Plan and to

to

be

located amenities the

at

large also

number of sites scattered all over the Region. Some needed infrastructure been proposed process. 12.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT. The EIA study has become an essential component of all developmental recreational) . activities Any (pure growth economic, model or social, tourism economic facilities in order civic have complement development

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 desk and problems are some what insidious: there are experts and policy makers fail to

serious impediments to public comprehension ( even those so-called understand) the full nature of the environmental dilemma. Environment degradation is a global problem. No nation is an island (separated from the rest of from environmental health and the world) unto itself regarding environmental affairs. Whatever benefits 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 models: and health economic vice-versa without growth if affecting is both are the not economic against properly growth pitting

environment

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 allows group beaches sandals, normal for an equilibrium appropriate state; normal A human experience consensus action. clear-cut

exists for the solution of these problems, as no interest is involved. and tourist The best examples are the littered spots. The polluters plastic are tourists shoes, The etc.

drivers and their vehicles. The rubbish is mostly plastic containers, bags

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, involved. rooted Conflict perception The of to problem of interest the is one, dysfunction or more hierarchical levels are caused or by sustained system of the probable and deep more because components. defective solution.

exists

most

appropriate

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 which are are the pesticide in conspiracy, and its 1. 3. associated environmental hazards. There levels involved 2. Pesticide industry; Ministry of are 4 hierarchical conspiracy: agriculture;

pesticide

Pesticide dealers, and 4. Farmers. 12.4.3 The Problem Complexity pesticide industry in league with the ministry of educate The the are farmers dealers unhappy to due use to and cost use of and more the no pesticide push the sale

agriculture pesticides. products.

The

farmers

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 No reliable data exists in causes are perhaps several : fish diseases, chemical waste from Gadoon industries etc. Pakistan. back this regard. Likewise, there are 1900 pesticide dumps in One such dump lies (partially removed) at the is : do we really of police public school near the Secondary Board area

on Jamroud Road, Peshawar. The question comprehend the effect ? The natural and man-made ecosystems

have

special

basic

characteristics: 12.5.1 Time lags Time Lags. and EIA. cumulative A effects are in very many important in

studying

complication

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 of environmental problems solution. problem. The enigmatic nature further complicates their

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, are is almost

ecosystems have thresholds. Environmental thresholds found every where, rather the whole of Pakistan

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, which and are proposed These to be located will the at Abbottabad and cause Mansehra comprise picnic spots, camping grounds, fishing rafting. facilities in definitely of environmental disruption form 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 the seasonality and factor of the tourism on districts of Abbottabad and Mansehra mitigative ecosystems. ii. Wild Life Division has a large variety in topography and regenerative effect point here is facilities the in

which would have a concerned

Hazara

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. (musk Grey languor; Urial Rhesus monkeys; snow Himalayan leopard; Ibex; common

deer)

(wild

sheep);

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 endangering aquatic life. B. i. Physical indicators Surface water to the surface water of the of would accrue by due to in the the a quality and

Danger

unscrupulous throwing proposed mainly the

behavior oily

tourists their etc. The

improperly pollutants cause

discharges facilities. and

vehicles would

tourist

resultant

plastic

bags

sandals

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. The

Ground Water ground of water ground will in water. be affected this by or the tourism impact health in the

facilities, quality

resulting

sub-standard, However,

non-standard

negative

could be easily avoided or mitigated by a modern solid waste disposal system, and good drains via public engineering, and high standard of maintenance

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 The

have

been fallings

proposed with force

on on

fragile ground;

ecosystems. The erosion problem would be exacerbated by the raindrops. raindrops hilly semi hilly, mid-hill sandy habitats (as opposed to plains of D.I.Khan) would loosen the eroded ecosystems, and thus the eroded eroded, or semimatter 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 sound) on the ecosystems of would be insignificant where or sound

The effect of noise (unwanted the proposed (as fast) tourism opposed where

facilities to the the sound

because of the more sound absorptive capacity of the hilly ecosystem travels plain is areas rarely 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 oily discharge etc. all of erosion would cause non-biodegradable plastics), localized a negative deforestation, impact on the vehicles,

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. The Human Use quality and quantity of must the benefits be which taken would into

accrue,

concomitantly,

also

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 the Region, which include buses, flying prevailing in

coaches, horses & mules, jeeps and rickshaws. Their stops, stations, on the way to and from tourism facilities would also be beneficial their to the local community in order The to mitigate facilitate existing transport problems. road

projects identified and proposed in the Master Plan would 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 around the lake Saiful Muluk, Batakundi and Basel in Kaghan valley. 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) and mini-markets fruits will develop be for the at fresh high vegetables which would marketed

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 reasonable expressed as to the local markets in Hazara at the division, right time and has fetch been by a would price. Transport

a serious problem in Kaghan valley mini-markets of farm produce that

large number of small scale farmers. This is in addition 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 tourist facilities impact are as under. life in several ways. Some of the indicators that could run through the

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 their tourist living. facilities There in the be area. It would improve would fruit, vegetable,

sweats and cigarette vendors at various localities where the tourist facilities are proposed. A kind of local minimarket would develop for trading and transaction on small scale. This business widen and trading activity with would more affect options their economic life and also the social interaction with tourists opened. ii. The Employment tourist be facilities needed in for would attract the be local, domestic as would their knowledge

well as foreign tourists. The skills and management that would managing proposed easily tourism available of the facilities in the Hazara division management would and

locally. Therefore, the local people would get employment operation, maintenance proposed tourist facilities. This would be a great help in reducing unemployment in the employment-starved area of the Hazara division. iii. Social No social, Values 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 mostly available to the people of Hazara division. have Therefore, been proposed very in few the public health The facilities Master Plan.

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. Lack some Nutrition of the proper of By the nutrition Mansehra, the local is a general problem in

Pakistan, more so in parts districts. tourist

the proposed

study area, mostly in Kohistan and Batagram conditions, have more

improving the

socio-economic community would

employment opportunities etc. as a result of the proposed facilities, 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 Mansehra, Batagram and Kohistan districts which would 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. Tourism facilities proposed around the Tarbela and

Khanpur dams might create some problems for these dams. iv. 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 health after of the the area cleanliness where the and environmental 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 SECTOR

Private sector in a larger context in tourism sector

comprises of two sets of population: a) b) The Community, and The Private investors the role of the private sector has been

Therefore

ascertained and envisaged in both the aspects, as follows. 13.1 COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION It has now of been the increasingly projects recognized mainly as well that depend as community on the the

plays a significant and important role in the sustainable success community which participation during after

implementation. It has also been recognized now that community participates in the projects either directly or indirectly, the role may be as owner, with with as user or to as facilitator. Specifically has many have speaking especially regards the tourism, community

opportunities to contribute into various activities related services industry. Consultants 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 reflected in status the of a person to a great to deal him is for opportunities available

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 such an coming for It study have visit is to the areas accepted is of by an tourism almost income is a potential. People generally feel comfortable and welcome activity. in the generally that everybody the area tourism view.

generating activity. As shown in the survey results 100% of respondents expressed this There 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 will be achieved, as much participation of the communities through seeking

as 69% were interested in some kind of business opportunity their own investment, whereas another 19% were 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

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 invest sector the has the greatest and potential to further into tourism 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 of the offered for and and the also STC operation in terms and of in location sector investment in cash

management of the facilities. In simple terms private contributes contributes 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 to this be and national Memorandums at out the the end assemblies of of from NWFP, (MOU'S) with of the the industrialists, hoteliers and land lords should be invited workshop. signed chalk understanding the and workshop should to

interested parties and further negotiations should be held clearly terms conditions 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

The success or failure of

AND PROMOTION PLAN

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 Region. It requires marketing to and extensive scales is an essential make use of the latest and prerequisite for the success of tourism industry in the innovative promotion techniques including

satellites and computers. A futuristic approach need to be adopted for this purpose. The marketing of the tourist attractions located abroad, as follows ; 14.1 DOMESTIC LEVEL. in the

Region need to be carried out both at home as well as

Recreation and sight seeing is a very personal and social altitude. economic recent It is strongly linked with at the political in and conditions due to prevailing the one point in the time. of

Domestic tourism has gained enormous momentum during the years improvements level 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 families,

all

the

metropolitan etc. The

cities

as

well

as

small are

settlements. Most tourists arrive in groups of individuals, students following techniques 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 located material within the promoting individual potential sites

Region through brochures, booklets and leaflets. These are normally complementary copies supplied free of charge. The major tourism outlets are all the major agents hotels, and restaurants, operators. offices, travelling tour

Magazines and books need to be printed and published for sale through outlets stated above. Introductory features need to be published in the circulated magazines. Additionally, it is proposed that a quarterly magazine national dailies and widely

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 Hoarding

14.1.2

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 Tele Media

14.1.3

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 remote programmes through of dish the antenna country. can The be seen anywhere in the country from major centers to the far flung mountainous network areas and national can be be television the satellite Documentary telecasting films

used for small duration advertisement and short duration introductory programmes. should 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, rooms and alternate transport availability of hotel for tourists in routes

various tourism areas soon after the national News on PTV during at least 14.1.4 3 months of the peak tourist season.

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 of regarding hotel the weather at forecasting, tourist condition of various roads frequently used by the tourists, availability accommodation various aired. concentration spots and the availability of alternate modes of transport at various routes can also be

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, private large industrial and concerns, various large public number and of agencies departments with

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 kept secret of Asia. Pakistan is an alien name the best 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 Pakistani occasions

Pakistani Missions missions Tourism like in abroad including embassies On and

consulates can play a leading role in the promotion of respective Day, countries. Day, special Pakistan Republic Independence

Day, special congregations can be held. Special features and supplements can be published in the newspapers of those countries. Businessmen can be made Cultural generally special programmes like offers to in can combine this also be held. with business

pleasure, therefore foreign businessmen

visiting Pakistan regard. Cultural

Exchange programmes can be arranged. Exchange programmes of students with various education institutions can also be carried out. Commercial and cultural attachees 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 Tour Joint Ventures with Tour Operators 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 air lines with with in PIA as leading PIA agency fares can to

International arrange various facility STC.

package tourist on

tours

special

discounted

locations

Pakistan. The other

should

enter of

into agreements with international air lines to extend this reciprocal basis. arrangements local transport and hotels can be made jointly by PIA and

14.2.4 As said

Satellite T.V Programmes 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 DEVELOPMENT PLAN

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 enhance and various the cities in NWFP in order to professional capacity and strengthen

capability of the tourism related jobs. The tourism related service sector includes the following occupations:i. ii. iv. v. vi. Hotel Management Hotel accounting and financing Cooks Waiters and service boys Tour Operators

iii. Front Desk/Receptionists.

vii. Tour Guides viii Translators

ix

Tourist Drivers.

The Master Plan proposed the following steps to be taken to achieve i. an integrated and comprehensive human resource development. 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 lnstitute of Hotel Management to the applicants of remote areas and from low-income families, especially applicants coming 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 tourism workshops coordination will also be enterprises be etc. This for engaged to will many in a the services the level where of of the from the areas where tourism is a

should

involved the

sponsor sector

training

need other

high areas

between used

private

involvement

strong role of private sector in the tourism industry is eagerly sought.

16. 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 of 100 about beds 1 (50 acre and will The provide cost accommodation rooms). total

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 deign, including building the cost of land, 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 An Camping Site size camping site with auxiliary service

average

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 sign development boards, works. However, the cost of hut erecting street furniture, supervision

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 estimated track that may also vary considerably, depending the cost of direction each signs, will on the location and the length of the track. However, it is including and development street furniture, track

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 will and waiting the cost rooms, of land, visitors design, gallery building and and administrative offices. The total cost for each facility include furnishing which is estimated to be approximately Rs. 3.00 million.

The summery of cost estimates of various tourist facilities are shown in Table-6.

Table-6:

Estimated Facilities

cost

of

Proposed

Tourists

S.No

Type of Facility

No. of Faciliti es

Cost per Unit Rs. million

Total Cost Rs. million

1.

Hotels 11

20.00

220.00

2.

Motels 13

5.00

65.00

3. 4.

Tourist Hostels Restaurants 11

10.00 2.00

40.00 22.00

5.

Picnic spots 26

4.00

104.00

6.

Roadside facilities 19

0.10

1.90

7.

Tourist Facilitation Centre

0.50

3.00

8.

Cable car 5

15.00

75.00

9.

Camping sites 9

2.00

18.00

10.

Fishing 5

0.05

0.25

11.

Boating 3

1.50

4.50

12.

Rafting

1.00

1.00

1 13. Winter sports 3 14. Tracking 8 Total 564.45 Less cost of Hotels (564.45 - 220.00) = 344.45 0.10 0.80 3.00 9.00

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 roads, agency. water The infrastructure sewerage solid facilities include supply,

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 Health departments Department, which include, the Home 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 be. Rs. 50 million. together with terminal facilities, auxiliary services and operation for the first year is estimated to

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 This Tele Media will include the preparation of short duration and

advertisements,

films,

documentaries,

clippings

interviews. It is estimated cost approximately:

that these activities will

Rs. 20 .00 million. 16.6 TRAINING AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

It

will

include

the and

commencement It is

of

various

training these

programmes, Training Workshops, award of scholarships both within Pakistan aboard. estimated that activities will roughly cost: Rs. 10.00 million. 16.7 16.7.1 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS STC Strengthening

The institutional strengthening of STC is proposed as an essential Master proposed pre-requisite A be number to for of the implementation within STC of for this are this Plan. sections/cells/departments

created/established

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-7, as

follows.

Table-7: S.No Project Components

Total Cost Estimates Total Cost (Rs. Millions)

1. 2.

Tourism Facilities Infrastructure Facilities

344.45 -

3. 4. 5. 6.

Civic Amenities STC Transportation Marketing and Promotion Training and Resource Dev.

50.00 40.00 10.00

7. 8.

STC Strengthening STC Consultancy Total

50.00 30.00 524.45

17. FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS

Funding is required for the following project components as proposal in this for Master each Plan. The of proposed projects funding is also arrangements category

discussed as under. 17.1 INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS The proposed infrastructure projects include, roads, water supply, sewerage, solid waste management and electricity and telephone. They to the include existing both networks improvement/upgrading/extension

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 this coming years according to the phasing proposed in Master Plan. 17.2 CIVIC AMENITIES PROJECTS The proposed civic amenities projects include post offices, police category stations, of health facilities, the and banks. of Each the projects are responsibility

respective Department,

provincial Health

departments

including

the

Home

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 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 to the phasing proposed in this

The projects proposed to be funded by the private sector alone re as follows: i) ii) 17.3.2 Hotels Roadside facilities 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) ii) Picnic spots 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 extensive promotions large arrangements campaigns of tourism of private to for carry the within sector out the of intensive projects abroad and and and is

marketing Pakistan

proposed take place number concerns Master

with the help of the private sector. A industries and business

should be contacted to sponsor various marketing Plan. Consultants have thoroughly explored the

and promotion activities as proposed in Chapter-14 of this 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 proposed develop training both be activities various the service in at various in levels. response Master to the a Plan need number has to of programmes sector Pakistan funds

which and for

includes abroad, this

programmes,

workshops,

education

sessions some

etc.

available given

requiring through

stipends and scholarships. It is proposed that STC should appropriate purpose provincial and federal grants/allocations. 17.7 STC INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING STC needs a handsome amount of funding for its functions and operations modes during of the future. for Following STC are the possible funding administrative

expenditures. i) ii) Annual Development Programma (ADP) Revenue Generation from various projects.

It is proposed that appropriate allocations should be made in the provincial during ADP's the to meet 2 the to STC 3 administrative years of the expenses first

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 proposed activities tourist including facilities, the designing of various an training programmes

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) iv) v) vi) b)

STC Tourist Hostels Cable Car Fishing are/Boating Winter sports

iii) STC Restaurants

Funded by STC alone i) ii) STC Transport STC Magazine

iii) STC Publications

18. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND STC STRENGTHENING

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 1970 was PAKISTAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (PTDC) Tourism Development envisaged Corporation to be a established private in

initially

sector

venture. But within a few years, it became yet another semi-government organization where the crest fallen dummygods 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 that no new projects were undertaken. They were appointed and removed at short intervals with the result 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 for thought was given to tourism due to as the industry hurdles since 1988. However, no practical step was taken in this direction improvement, mainly created by the Ministry of Finance and CBR. Despite many hurdles, the Government during the previous tenure million of Main Nawaz for Sharif, allocated and more than 250 of rupees the development marketing

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 "official overheads. However, steps taken recently are indicative of another use, inviable trips. small Eighty motel projects of and on foreign percent the funds

allocated to PTDC were utilized for payment of salaries and

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 of into a sort of and

employment and

agency.

Hundreds

sons,

nephews,

acquaintances of Ministers, MNA's and MPA's were inducted 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 developmental works in an new ones and carry out coordinated and integrated,

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. self-financing organization. This It was perceived that became a distant goal after an initial financial support the STC would become a 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 under a needs careful review and in depth study consultancy assignment before it is separate

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 follows: i) ii) Hotels Restaurants year. This section will have three cells, as

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 is an integrated process. Development in

Development

tourism essentially depends water supply,

the development in

many other sectors of economy including roads,

sewerage, solid waste management, electricity, telephone, police, post, health etc. Separate be projects have ben and proposed for various infrastructure facilities and civic amenities. These projects will designed, planned 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 supervise the execution of these the responsibility After the

of this section to design the facilities, plan them and projects. execution, this section will be given the responsibility for O & M (operation & maintenance) of all facilities. This section will have following different cells; i) ii) Consultants Cell Project Design & Development Cell

iii) Project Maintenance Cell d) This Marking Section section will be responsible for all marketing and

promotional activities. This will have the following cells; i) ii) Publication and Distribution Cell 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 human resource development. and impart relevant education This cell will arrange and and training to strengthen the tourism service sector as a organize various training programmes and workshops for this purpose. f) Transport Section

In order to provide efficient transport arrangements and to improve the the existing This conditions will be by creating healthy and competition, it is proposed to establish STC transport in Region. section operated, managed maintained by the STC g) transport Section.

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 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 i. Agencies Road Projects Department, C&W 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 : : Highway

Department

Ministry of Communications

vi.

Telephone Pakistan Corporation.

: Telecommunication

vii.

Police Stations Home Department

viii.

Health Facilities Health Department

ix.

Banks Commercial Banks

The above implementation framework however requires a high degree of a coordination. coordination It is therefore within STC proposed which to will establish cell

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. Action years and without focusses Various Programme and is proposed in huge on the for a period aimed outlays. the of at It

Immediate first two

involves

activities capital the for

improvements facilities therefore, measures.

upgrading involving more activities

existing

tourism

adopting proposed

regulatory immediate

action are as follows.

i. It

STC Strengthening. is a prerequisite of the to strengthen Plan. the STC institutional should expand

arrangements of STC to play a stronger role to ensure the implementation Master 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 proposed in with the the long activities -term plan proposed should as be immediate actions. However, the sections involved in the activities established later. ii. Licensing of Private Sector Activities.

The performance of various tourism facilities provided in the both STC private sector and including quality. the the hotels, There is restaurants, no mechanism which tour to is of operators, tour guides etc. is extremely poor in terms of quantity should be regulate and presently monitor these activities. It is proposed that given with licensing Deputy authority Controller, Ministry

held

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. coordinate with the line

STC should establish contacts and

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. coordinate with the line

STC should establish contacts and

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. It STC Strengthening is proposed of to fully which complete had the institutional during the

strengthening

STC

commenced

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 Facilities. It is proposed to provide new infrastructure facilities of the new Infrastructure

including water supply, sewerage, electricity etc. to the areas during where this new tourist This as an facilities should have to been be the developed in an existing phase. manner also done

integrated facilities. v. Civic

extension

Development of new Civic Amenities. 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. Some Human Resource Development 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 in the of the private sector to and participate development, implementation

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 picnic development spots of new It hotels, motels, all restaurants, etc. will include

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 this new tourist as facilities proposed in have the been developed Plan, during in an phase, Master

integrated manner.

iv.

Marketing and Promotion.

It is proposed to further expand the area of marketing and promotion regard. v. Human Resource Development activities during this last phase, and the international market should also be fully covered in this

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.