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.

Make the STC a self financing agency.

2.2

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

local tourists to the

potential areas.
ii.

Set

the

future

direction

of

the

Sarhad

Tourism

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)

Foreign tourists

ii)

Foreigners working in N.W.F.P

(A)

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.

Lack of information and sometimes wrong information.

ii.

Harassment by local males to female tourists .

iii.

Cheating in terms of many matters.

iv.

Child beggars.

v.

Lack of permission to visit Khyber Pass and Tribal Areas.

vi.

Non-availability of transport at night.

vii.

Difference in price charged to a foreigner or a local.

viii.

Lack of credit card /currency exchange facility.

ix.

Too many police check posts and movement restrictions.

x.

Short duration of visas for Pakistan.

xi.

Poor quality food and other goods.

xii.

Lack of good quality , average period hotels.

Following are some of the suggestions came from the foreign tourists.
Suggestions.
i.

Provide

better

and

efficient

garbage

collection

and

disposal system for generally clean environment.

ii.

Police checking should be made at few places only to make

movement easier.

iii.

Accessibility to more areas should be made easily possible.

iv.

Regulate the pricing system for hotels, restaurant and

transport.

v.

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.

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)

Lack of adequate and authentic information about specific

sites, even from the Tourist Information Centers of PTDC.

ii)

Frequently cancellation of flights, especially to Gilgit and

Chitral.

iii)

Lack of appropriate and adequate facilities.

Some of the suggestion made by these tourists to improve tourism

activity are as follows.
Suggestions.
i)

Provide adequate information about the tourism locations.

ii)

Improve the advertising and promotion of tourism.

iii)

Improve physical conditions on tourist locations.

iv)

Introduce more tourist locations and attractions.

4.5

v)

Improve the general hotel conditions.

vi)

Improve the means of communication.

vii)

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.

Personal disliking

ii.

Lack of security in public places

iii.

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

the large scale new

facilities and infrastructure The major activities proposed to be 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.

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

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

Sarai Saleh, and

6.1.8.

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

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

to

disco
ver
and
unfol
d.
Locat
ed
close
d

to

Shogr
an
and
Malka
ndi
this
forest
is one
of the
oldes

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.

Boating is also a popular sport and mode of recreation.

However,

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

Scaling hilly areas and mountains on foot for

recreation purpose is

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

flora and fauna.

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.

Resturants
=

B.

i)

Tarbela

ii)
iii)

Khanpur
Khalabat

Roadside Facilities
=

i)
ii)

Dingi
Ghora Gali Road

C.

Picnic spots
=
i)

Tarbela

ii)
iii)

Khanpur
Khalabat

iv)

Mang

D.

Tourist
i)

Facilitation
=
1

Haripur

E.

Cable Car
=
i)

Tarbela
F.

i)
ii)

Tarbela
Khanpur

iii)

Mang

G.

H.

Fishing
=

Boating
=
i)
ii)

Tarbela
Khanpur

iii)

Mang

Archeological Sites
i)
Sarkari Bagh
ii)
iii)

Sarai Sarleh
Manikrai

iv)

Jholian

Centre

v)

Hari Singh Fort

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

Restaurant

Road side

Picnic

Tourist

Cable

facility

spot

Facilitation

car

Fishing

Boating

Center
Tarbela

Khan pur

Khalabat

Dingi

Ghora Gali Road

Mang

Hari pur

Total

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)

Abbottabad

ii)

Abbotabad

iii)

Nathiagali

B.
i)

Abbottabad

ii)

Nathiagali

iii)

Ayubia

iv)

Thandrani
Fig.5-B:

Hotel

Motel

C.
i)

Abbottabad

ii)

Nathia Gali

D.
i)

Abbottabad

ii)

Changlagali

E.
i)

Bara Gali

ii)

Kalabagh

iii)

Durga Gali

iv)

Khania Gali

v)

Kohala Road

vi)

Sherwari

F.

Tourist Hostel

Restaurant

Road Side Facility

Picnic Spots

=
6

i)

Abbottabad

ii)

Changlagli

iii)

Baragali

iv)

Kalabagh

v)

Durga Gali

vi)

Khaira Gali

G.

Tourist Facilities Centre =

2
i)

Abbottabad

ii)

Nathiagali

H.

Cable Car

=
2

i)

Nathiagali

ii)

Thandiani

I.

Camping Ground

2
i)

Abbottabad

ii)

Nathiagali

J.

Trecking Routes

4
i)

Nathiagali

ii)

Nathiagali

iii)

Nathiagali

iv)

Thandiai

K.

Winter sports
3

L.

i)

Abbottabad

ii)

Nathiagali

iii)

Thandain

Archeological Sites
i)

Dhamtour

ii)

Ilyasi Mosque

Table 2: Proposed Tourist Facilities in Abbottabad District by Location and Type of Facility
Hot

Mot

Touri

Rest

Roadsi

Picni

Tourist

Cabl

Campin

Tra

Winte

el

el

st

aura

de

Facilitati

cki

Host

nt

Facility

Spot

on

Car

Ground

ng

Sport

el
Abbottaba

Centre

Nathiagali

Thandians

Ayubia

Changla

Bara Gali

Kalabagh

Dunga

Gali

Gali
Khaira
Gali
Kohala

Road
Sherwan

Total

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

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.

Hotel
i)

Mansehra

ii)

Balakot

iii)

Shogran

iv)

Kaghan

v)

Naran

vi)

Lake Saiful Muluk

Fig.5-C

Fig.5-D

B.

Motel
i)

Balakot

ii)

Shogran

iii)

Kaghan

iv)

Naran

v)

Batrasi

vi)

Basel

vii)

Chattar Plan

viii)

Sheran

C.

Tourist Hostel

2
i)

Balakot

ii)

Naran

D.

Restaurant

=
4

i)

Balakot

ii)

Naran

iii)

Malkandi

iv)

Batakundi

E.

Road Side Facilities

10
i)

Iechar Canal

ii)

Atar Shishah

iii)

Garhi Habib Ullah

iv)

Hassa

v)

Kiwai

vi)

Khanian

vii)

Lalazar

viii)

Baffa

ix)

Shinkiari

x)

Battal

F.

Picnic spot
i)

Shogran

ii)

Batrasi

iii)

Chattar Plan

iv)

Sheran

v)

Malakandi

vi)

Icchar Canal

vii)

Hassa

viii)

Khanian

ix)

Battal

x)

Qalandarabad

xi)

Ghazikot

xii)

Jabori

xiii)

Iccharian

xiv)

Sultan Gali

G.

Tourist Facilitation Centre

3
i)

Mansehra

ii)

Kaghan

iii)

Kiwai

14

H.

Cable Car
i)

Shogran

ii)

Lake Saiful Muluk

I.

Camping Ground

7
i)

Shogran

ii)

Naran

iii)

Lake Saiful Muluk

iv)

Besal

v)

Chattar Plain

vi)

Lalazar

vii)

Shinkiari

J.

Tracking Routes

4
i)

Shogran

ii)

Basel

iii)

Sheran

iv)

Sultan Gali

K.

Fishing

=
2

i)

Balakot

ii)

Naran

L.

Rafting

=
1

i)

Naran

M.

Archeological Sites
i)

Historic Building at Mansehra

ii)

Ashoka Park

iii)

Baffa

iv)

Gandhian

v)

Zar Dheri

vi)

Guli Bagh

Table 3. Proposed Tourist Facilities in Mansehra District by Location

and Type of Facility
Hote
ls

Mot
el

Tourist
Hostels

Restaur
ants

Roadsi
de
Facility

Mansehra

Balakot

Shogran

Kaghan

Naran

Lake Saiful. M

Batrasi

Basel

Picnic
spots

Tourist
Facilitatio
n Centre

Cable
Car

Campi
ng

Tracki
ng

Fishi
ng

Rafting

Chattar plain

Sheran

Malkandi

Battakundi

Icchar Canal

Atar Shishah

Garhi Habib
Ullah

Hassa

Kiwai

Khanian

Lalazar

Baffa

Shinkiari

Battal

Qalandarbad

Ghazikot

Jabori

Icchrian on
KKH

Sultan Gali

Total

10

14

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.

Restaurant
i)

Batagram

ii)

Alaii

B.
i)

Roadside Facility =

Picnic spots

Thakot Bridge

C.
i)

Alaii

ii)

Thakot Bridge

Fig.5-E

Table 4:

Proposed

Tourist

Facilities

in

Batagram

District

location and Type of Facility

RESTAURANT

ROADSIDE FACILITIES

PICNIC SPOT

Batagram

Alaii

Thakot Bridge
................

TOTAL

..........

1
1

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

1
2

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

by

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

is another

settlement which is relatively larger in size.

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.

Hotel :
i)

Dassu

B.

Motel :
i)

Pattan

Table 5: Proposed Tourist Facilities in Kohistan District by Location

and Type of Facility.
HOTEL

MOTEL

Dassu

Pattan

TOTAL

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

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

proposed

in

tourist

facilities

Abbottabad

are

located in close vicinity to each

other and are accessible by road.
Abbottabad-

Nathiagali

presently

being

upgraded

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

upgrading.

Sheran

also

requires

major

improvement

and

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)

Shinkiari-Jabori

ii)

Baffa-Guli Bagh

iii) Balakot-Naran
iv)

Naran-Bassel

v)

Naran-Lake Saiful Muluk

vi)

Paras-Sheran

9.1.4

Batagram District

The few tourism facilities proposed in Batagram District are

all

located

problem

as

along

KKH,

such.

The

therefore
only

place

have

no

in

need

accessibility
of

connection is the recreation area proposed near

all weather new road link is proposed

here.

the

road

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.

golden bracelet

The

ruins

where

the

45

kilogram

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

9.2.1

WATER SUPPLY

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 needs extension to the specific
sites, the actual work will be identified and 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 are concentrated in Abbottabad city and in Gulliyat
area

within

or

near

the

existing

human

settlements.

Thandiani and Sherwan are the only isolated locations. Water

is supplied to

these settlement on local basis and

there

is no shortage of drinking water, 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

provided

either

terms

in

existing

of

respectively
major

for

each

one

improvement/extension

of

them,

of

the

network or the provision of new schemes.

Therefore, water supply schemes for Mansehra District are as

follows.

A)

New Water Supply Schemes

i)
ii)

Chattar Plain
Malakandi

iii) Lalazar
iv)

B)

Lake Saiful Muluk

Improvement/extension of the Existing Network

i)

Jabori

ii)

Sheran

iii) Batakindi
iv)

9.2.4

Basel

Batagram District

The few tourist facilities proposed in Batagram District are

located at Batagram town and near
town has adequate water supply,

Alaii. While Batagram

the 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

The

Kohistan District

tourist

located

facilities

of

Kohistan

are

proposed

to

be

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

individual

to

be

design

developed
of

each

as

an

integral

location,

part

therefore

no

of

the

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

Shogran,

Sheran,

arrangements

Lake

Saiful

need

Muluk,

to

be

Batakundi,

made

for

Basel,

Batrasi and Chattar Plain.

Therefore

the

sewerage

schemes

District are as follows.

A)

New Sewerage Schemes

i)

Shogran

ii)

Sheran

iii) Lake Saiful Muluk

iv)

Batakndi

v)

Basel

vi)

Batrasi

vii) Chattar Plain

identified

is

Mansehra

B)

Improvement of Existing Sewerage Network

i)

Mansehra

ii)

Balakot

iii) Kaghan
iv)

9.3.4

Naran

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.

Most urban settlements either have no

system

at all or the prevailing systems are extremely inefficient.

It

is

therefore

proposed

to

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.

Tarbela

ii.

Khanpur

iii. Mang

B. Improvement Areas:
i.

Haripur

ii.

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.

Lake Saiful Muluk

ii.

Lalazar

iii. Batakundi
iv.

Basel

v.

Lake Lulupat

vi.

Lake Dudupat

B.

Improvement Areas:

All existing settlements

9.4.4

Batagram District

The existing system at Batagram town needs improvement.

9.4.5

The

Kohistan District

existing

systems

improvements.

9.5. ELECTRICITY

both

at

Pattan

and

Dassu

need

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

All

Haripur District

proposed

around

tourist

settlements

facilities
where

in

power

Haripur

supply

are

is

located

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

All

Mansehra District

proposed

around

tourist

settlements

facilities
where

power

in

Mansehra
supply

is

are

located

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

around

tourist

settlements

facilities
where

in

power

Batagram
supply

are

is

located

available,

therefore no electrification project is proposed.

9.5.5

All

Kohistan District

proposed

around

tourist

settlements

facilities
where

in

power

Kohistan
supply

are

is

located

available,

therefore no electrification project is proposed.

9.6

TELEPHONE

Like

electricity,

necessity

telephone

It

becomes

is

more

also

important

basic
in

urban

case

of

emergencies, as most domestic tourists like to stay in touch

with their families, friends ,relatives and business concern
during

their

vacations.

Availability

facility for the purpose of this

only

for

places

where

hotel

of

the

telephone

Master Plan is considered

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

Haripur, therefore no additional proposals has been made.

of

9.6.2

All

Abbottabad District

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

The

Mansehra District

proposed

concentrated
Naran.

hotel
in

While

and

motel

Mansehra,

Mansehra

is

facilities

Balakot,
the

only

Shogran,
city

are

mostly

Kaghan

connected

and
with

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

Presently

Batagram District

Batagram

telecommunication

is

links

connected
with

rest

telephone exchange of adequate lines

to have an easy and direct link.

to
of

Mansehra
the

country.

for
A

is required in order

9.6.5

Presently

Kohistan District

Kohistan

is

connected

to

Mansehra

for

telecommunication link with rest of the country. A 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

development

important

of

tourism

factors
in

any

for
area.

the

promotion

Police

presence

and
is

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.

Jabori (Dadar Valley)

ii.

Batakundi

iii. Basel

10.2 POST OFFICES

Post

Offices

are

located

at

almost

every

settlement

in

Hazara Division, including the remote areas. Keeping in 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

time

is

health

another

care

essential

facility

readily

requirement

for

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

Headquarter

health

Hospitals,

centre.
Tahsil

They

include

Hospitals,

Basic

District
Health

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)

Shogran

ii)

Sheran

iii) Lake Saiful Muluk

iv)

Batakundi

v)

Basel

vi)

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 include the handicrafts manufactured

locally.

The

shopping

variety exist in almost

areas

of

reasonable

quality

and

all the major 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

airports

for air transport, as air link was not provided to

any place in Hazara. However, a regular commercial flight of

helicopter now operates between Islamabad and Abbottabad.
Keeping

in

view

the

alternate

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, Haripur and Taxila. Besides passengers, this section is
also used for goods trains. However, 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

Abbottabad,
Hazara,

journey

Mansehra

especially

or

when

break

other
the

at

Havelian

tourist

alternate

to

reach

destinations

road

transport

in
is

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)

Private transport

b)

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)

4-

Jeeps

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

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)

fare is negotiated.

Rickshaw

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

areas

where

vehicular

movement

of

any

sort

is

not

possible horses and mules are available to carry the goods

and

tourists.

They

normally

operate

from

Naran

to

Saiful Muluk and in the area further north from Naran.

Lake

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

and comfort is very poor

as compared to those available 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

Lack of regular service

operations

generally

depend

upon

the

will

of

the

transporter or the driver and there are no fixed routes or

timings

of

operation.

In

some

of

the

remote

areas

no

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

of

Terminal

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

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,

there

are

some

important

man-made

dams

at

Tarbela and Khanpur, where the consultants have proposed a

number of various tourism facilities . Thus, 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 to be located at a large number

of

sites

scattered

all

over

the

Region.

Some

needed

infrastructure facilities and civic amenities have also been

proposed in order to complement the development process.
12.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT.
The EIA study has become an essential component of all
developmental
recreational)

activities
.

Any

(pure

economic

growth

economic,

social,

model

tourism

or

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

environmental

examples

of

environment

disruption.

The

problems are some what insidious: there are

serious impediments to public comprehension ( even those

desk

and

so-called

experts

and

policy

makers

fail

to

understand) the full nature of the environmental dilemma.

Environment degradation is a global problem. No nation is an
island (separated from the rest of
regarding

environmental

environmental health and

affairs.

the world) unto itself

Whatever

benefits

from

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

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 health without affecting the economic growth
models: economic growth is pitting against environment and
vice-versa

if

both

are

not

properly

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
normal equilibrium state; normal human experience allows for
an appropriate action. A clear-cut consensus exists for the
solution

of

involved.

these

problems,

as

no

interest

group

is

The best examples are the littered beaches and

tourist spots. The polluters are tourists drivers and their

vehicles. The rubbish is mostly
containers,

plastic

bags

etc.

shoes, sandals, plastic

The

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,

or more hierarchical levels are

involved. The problem is caused by sustained and deep rooted

dysfunction of one, or more

system components. Conflict of

interest exists because of the defective perception to the

most appropriate probable solution. 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 are

the pesticide conspiracy, and its associated environmental
hazards. There

are 4 hierarchical levels which are involved

in pesticide conspiracy: 1. Pesticide industry; 2. Ministry

of agriculture; 3. Pesticide dealers, and 4. Farmers.
12.4.3
The

Problem Complexity
pesticide industry in league with the ministry of

agriculture

educate

pesticides.

The

products.

The

the

pesticide

farmers

are

farmers
dealers
unhappy

to

use

push
due

and

the
to

use

sale
cost

more

of

the

and

no

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

causes are perhaps several : fish diseases, chemical waste

from Gadoon industries etc.
regard.

Likewise,

Pakistan.
back

there

No reliable data exists in this

are

1900

pesticide

dumps

in

One such dump lies (partially removed) at the

of police public school near the Secondary Board area

on Jamroud Road, Peshawar. The question

is : do we really

comprehend the effect ?

The

natural

and

man-made

ecosystems

have

special

basic

characteristics:
12.5.1
Time

lags

Time Lags.
and

studying EIA.

cumulative

effects

are

very

important

A complication in many environments

in

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

problem.

The

enigmatic

nature

of

environmental problems further complicates their solution.

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

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,

ecosystems have thresholds. Environmental thresholds

found every

where, rather the whole of Pakistan

are

is almost

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

are

proposed

to

be

located

at

Abbottabad

and

Mansehra comprise picnic spots, camping grounds, fishing and

rafting.

These

environmental

facilities

disruption

will

in

definitely

the

form

of

cause

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

factor

of

the

tourism

point here is
facilities

in

districts of Abbottabad and Mansehra

which would have a

mitigative

and

regenerative

effect

on

the

concerned

has

variety

in

topography

ecosystems.
ii.

Wild Life

Hazara

Division

large

and

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. Grey languor; Rhesus monkeys; Himalayan Ibex; (musk
deer)

Urial

(wild

sheep);

snow

leopard;

common

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

quality and

endangering aquatic life.

B.

Physical indicators

i.

Surface water

Danger

to

the

surface

water

would

accrue

due

to

the

unscrupulous behavior of the tourists by improperly throwing

the

oily

discharges

of

their

vehicles

in

tourist facilities. The resultant pollutants

bags and

the

proposed

mainly plastic

sandals etc. would cause a 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.

Ground Water

The ground water will be affected by the tourism facilities,

resulting in sub-standard, or non-standard quality of ground

water. However, this negative impact could be easily avoided
or mitigated by a modern solid waste disposal system, and
good

drains

via

public

health

engineering,

and

high

standard of maintenance in the 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

facilities have been proposed

because

the

tourist

on fragile ecosystems. The

erosion problem would be exacerbated by the

raindrops. The

raindrops fallings with force on ground; hilly semi hilly,

mid-hill sandy habitats (as opposed to plains of D.I.Khan)
would loosen the

eroded, or semi-eroded ecosystems, and

thus the eroded matter 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

The effect of noise (unwanted

the

proposed

tourism

sound) on the ecosystems of

facilities

would

be

insignificant

because of the more sound absorptive capacity of the hilly

ecosystem (as opposed to the plain areas where sound travels
fast) where the sound is rarely or 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

non-biodegradable plastics),

oily discharge of vehicles, localized deforestation, erosion

etc. all would cause a negative impact on the 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.

Human Use

The quality and quantity of the benefits which would accrue,

concomitantly, must also be taken into 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

prevailing in

the Region, which

include buses, flying

coaches, horses & mules, jeeps and rickshaws. Their stops,

stations, on the way to and from tourism facilities would
also

be

beneficial

mitigate

their

to

the

existing

local

community

transport

in

order

problems.

The

to

road

projects identified and proposed in the Master Plan would

facilitate

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)

vegetables

and

mini-markets
fruits

will

which

develop

would

be

for

the

marketed

at

fresh
high

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

markets

price.

expressed as

in

Transport

Hazara

division,

at

right

the

time

a serious problem in Kaghan valley

and

fetch

has

been

by a large

number of small scale farmers. This is in addition

to the

local mini-markets of farm produce that would 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

life in several

ways. Some of the indicators that could run through the

tourist facilities impact are as under.
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

tourist

facilities

in

the

area.

It

would

improve

their

living.

There

would

be

fruit,

vegetable,

sweats and cigarette vendors at various localities where the

tourist facilities are proposed. A kind of local mini-market
would develop for trading and transaction on small scale.
This

business

and

trading

activity

would

affect

their

economic life and also the social interaction with tourists

would widen their knowledge with more options opened.
ii.

Employment

The tourist facilities would attract local, domestic as well

as foreign tourists. The skills and management that would be
needed
Hazara

for

managing

division

the

would

proposed
be

tourism

easily

facilities

available

in

locally.

Therefore, the local people would get employment in the

operation,

management

and

maintenance

of

the

proposed

tourist facilities. This would be a great help in reducing

unemployment in the employment-starved area of the Hazara
division.
iii. Social

Values

No social, 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.

facilities

have

Therefore,
been

proposed

very
in

few
the

improved road and transport facilities

public

Master

health

Plan.

The

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.

Nutrition

Lack

of

the

proper

Pakistan, more so in

nutrition

is

the proposed

general

problem

in

study area, mostly in

some parts of the Mansehra, Kohistan and Batagram districts.

By

improving

the

opportunities

etc.

socio-economic
as

result

conditions,
of

the

employment

proposed

tourist

facilities, the local community would have more 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

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

environmental

health

after
of

the

facilities have been proposed.

the
area

cleanliness
where

the

and

tourism

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

larger

context

in

tourism

sector

comprises of two sets of population:

a)

The Community, and

b)

The Private investors

Therefore

the

role

of

the

private

sector

has

been

ascertained and envisaged in both the aspects, as follows.

13.1 COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
It has now been increasingly recognized that community plays
a significant and important role in the sustainable success
of

the

projects

which

mainly

participation during as well as

depend

on

the

community

after the implementation.

It has also been recognized now that community participates

in the projects either directly or indirectly, the role may
be

as

owner,

speaking

with

as

user

regards

or
to

as

facilitator.

tourism,

Specifically

community

has

many

opportunities to contribute into various activities related

especially

with

the

services

industry.

Consultants

have

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 status of a person to a great deal is reflected
in the opportunities available to him for

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 coming

for

visit

to

the

areas

of

tourism

potential.

People

generally feel comfortable and welcome such an activity. It

is generally accepted by almost everybody in the study area
that tourism is an income generating activity. As shown in
the survey results 100% of the respondents have expressed
this

view.

There

is

unanimous

opinion

about

the

willingness to participate in various activities involved in

the

tourism

activities

as

100%

expressed their willingness

of

the

respondents

in this regard. In

have

response to

the question as to how the participation of the communities

will be achieved, as much as 69% were interested in some
kind of business opportunity through
whereas

another

19%

were

their own investment,

seeking

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

further

private
invest

sector

into

has

the

the

greatest

tourism

and

potential

tourism

to

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

location

incentives
of

the

offered

investment

for

the

operation

and

also

in

and

terms

of

management of the facilities. In simple terms private

sector contributes in cash and STC contributes in kind.
It is however, extremely vague and naive to the already
identify the terms and conditions of any such joint
venture

at

individual

this
case

stage.

STC

separately

has
in

to

deal

order

to

with

each

achieve

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

and

national

assemblies

from

NWFP,

industrialists, hoteliers and land lords should be invited

to

this

should

workshop.

be

signed

Memorandums
at

the

end

of
of

understanding
the

workshop

(MOU'S)
with

the

interested parties and further negotiations should be held

to

clearly

chalk

out

the

terms

and

conditions

of

the

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

reliable parties, after careful selection.

sound

and

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

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

extensive scales is an essential

prerequisite for the success of tourism industry in the

Region. It requires to make use of the latest and innovative
marketing and promotion techniques including satellites and
computers. A futuristic approach need to be adopted for this
purpose.
The marketing of the tourist attractions located

in the

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

abroad, as follows ;
14.1

DOMESTIC LEVEL.

Recreation and sight seeing is a very personal and social

altitude.
economic

It

is

strongly

conditions

linked

prevailing

with
at

the

one

political

point

in

and

time.

Domestic tourism has gained enormous momentum during the

recent

years

due

to

the

improvements

in

the

level

of

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

all

the

metropolitan

cities

as

well

as

small

settlements. Most tourists arrive in groups of individuals,

families,

students

etc.

The

following

techniques

are

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

material promoting individual

potential sites located within the Region through brochures,

booklets

and

leaflets.

These

are

normally

complementary

copies supplied free of charge. The major outlets are all

the major hotels, restaurants, tourism offices, travelling
agents and tour operators. Magazines and books need to be
printed and published for sale through outlets stated above.
Introductory features need to be published in the
dailies and

national

widely circulated magazines.

Additionally,

it

is

proposed

that

quarterly

magazine

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

14.1.2

Hoarding

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

14.1.3

Tele Media

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

satellite

television

programmes

network

through

in

dish

the

country.

antenna

can

be

The
seen

anywhere in the country from major centers to the far flung

remote

mountainous

areas

of

the

country.

The

national

television network and the satellite telecasting can be used

for

small

duration

introductory

advertisement

programmes.

and

Documentary

short

films

duration

should

be

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,

availability of hotel

rooms and alternate transport routes for tourists in various

tourism areas soon after the national News on PTV during at
least

3 months of the peak tourist season.

14.1.4

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 regarding the weather forecasting, condition of
various roads frequently used by the tourists, availability
of

hotel

accommodation

at

various

tourist

concentration

spots and the availability of alternate modes of transport

at various routes can also be

aired.

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

education

mid

of

August

institutions

every
make

year.

Students

organized

trips

from
in

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

the best

kept secret of Asia. Pakistan is an alien name 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
level.

to

promote

the

Pakistani

Tourism

at

international

14.2.1

Pakistani Missions

Pakistani missions abroad including embassies and consulates

can

play

leading

role

in

the

promotion

of

Pakistani

Tourism in respective countries. On special occasions like

Pakistan

Day,

Republic

Day,

Independence

Day,

special

congregations can be held. Special features and supplements

can

be

published

in

the

newspapers

of

those

countries.

Cultural programmes can also be held. Businessmen generally

like to combine business with pleasure, therefore foreign
businessmen

visiting Pakistan can be made special offers in

this regard. Cultural Exchange programmes can be arranged.

Exchange

programmes

institutions

can

of

also

students
be

with

carried

various

out.

education

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

Joint Ventures with Tour Operators

Tour 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

International
arrange

air

package

lines

tours

with
with

PIA

as

special

leading

agency

discounted

can

fares

to

various tourist locations in Pakistan. PIA should enter into

agreements
facility

with

on

international

reciprocal

basis.

air

lines

to

extend

this

The

other

arrangements

of

local transport and hotels can be made jointly by PIA and

STC.

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

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

strengthen

the

cities in NWFP in order to

professional

capacity

and

capability of the tourism related jobs.

The tourism related service sector includes the following
occupations:i.

Hotel Management

ii.

Hotel accounting and financing

iii. Front Desk/Receptionists.

iv.

Cooks

v.

Waiters and service boys

vi.

Tour Operators

vii. Tour Guides

viii Translators

ix

Tourist Drivers.

The Master Plan proposed the following steps to be taken to

achieve

an

integrated

and

comprehensive

human

resource

development.
i.

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

from the areas where tourism is a

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

enterprises

should

workshops

be

etc.

coordination

engaged

involved
This

between

will

the

to

in

the

sponsor

need

private

services
the

high

sector

of

training
level

of

involvement

will also be used for many other areas where the strong
role

of

private

eagerly sought.

sector

in

the

tourism

industry

is

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

accommodation

of

100

about

beds

(50

acre

and

rooms).

will
The

provide

total

cost

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

including the cost of land,

deign, building 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

Camping Site

An average size camping site with auxiliary service 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 development works. However, the cost of erecting
sign boards, street furniture, supervision hut 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

may also vary considerably, depending on

the location and the length of the track. However, it is

estimated

that including the cost of direction signs, track

development

and

street

furniture,

each

track

will

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

and

waiting

rooms,

visitors

gallery

and

administrative offices. The total cost for each facility

will

include

the

cost

of

land,

design,

building

and

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

cost

of

Proposed

Tourists

Facilities
S.No

Type of Facility

No. of

Cost per

Total Cost

Faciliti

Unit

Rs. million

es

Rs.
million

1.

Hotels

20.00

220.00

5.00

65.00

10.00

40.00

2.00

22.00

4.00

104.00

0.10

1.90

11
2.

Motels
13

3.

Tourist Hostels

4.

Restaurants

11
5.

Picnic spots
26

6.

Roadside facilities
19

7.

Tourist

0.50

3.00

15.00

75.00

2.00

18.00

0.05

0.25

1.50

4.50

1.00

1.00

Facilitation Centre
8.

Cable car
5

9.

Camping sites
9

10.

Fishing
5

11.

Boating
3

12.

Rafting

1
13.

Winter sports

3.00

9.00

0.10

0.80

3
14.

Tracking
8
Total

564.45
Less cost of Hotels (564.45 - 220.00)
344.45

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

disposal,

executing

electricity

agencies

are

and

the

telephone.

Highway

The

relevant

Department,

&

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

Department,

Health

departments

which

Department,

include,

the

Home

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

together

with

terminal

facilities,

auxiliary

services and operation for the first year is estimated to

be.
Rs. 50 million.

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

advertisements,

the

preparation

films,

of

documentaries,

interviews. It is estimated

short

clippings

and

that these activities will cost

approximately:
Rs. 20 .00 million.
16.6

duration

TRAINING AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

It

will

include

the

commencement

of

various

training

programmes, Training Workshops, award of scholarships both

within

Pakistan

and

aboard.

It

is

estimated

that

these

activities will roughly cost:

Rs. 10.00 million.
16.7

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

16.7.1

STC Strengthening

The institutional strengthening of STC is proposed as an

essential
Master

pre-requisite

Plan.

proposed

to

A
be

number

for
of

the

implementation

of

sections/cells/departments

created/established

within

STC

for

this
are
this

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

follows.

cost

estimates

are

given

in

Table-7,

as

Table-7:
S.No

Total Cost Estimates

Project Components

Total Cost (Rs.

Millions)

1.

Tourism Facilities

344.45

2.

Infrastructure

Facilities
3.

Civic Amenities

4.

STC Transportation

50.00

5.

Marketing and Promotion

40.00

6.

Training and Resource

10.00

Dev.
7.

STC Strengthening

50.00

8.

STC Consultancy

30.00

Total

524.45

17. FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS

Funding is required for the following project components as
proposal

in

this

Master

Plan.

The

proposed

funding

arrangements for each category of projects is also discussed

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

one

of

responsibility

the
of

above
the

projects

respective

fall

provincial

including Highway Department, C & W

Heath

Engineering

Authority,

WAPDA

departments

have

Department,

and

Telecom.

allocation

Deptt.

the

department

Department, Public

the

of

within

Local
Each

funds

Municipal

one

made

of
under

these
the

provincial and departmental Annual Development Programmes

(ADP). The projects identified for various infrastructure
facilities should be included in the ADP's during the coming
years according to the phasing proposed in

this Master

Plan.
17.2 CIVIC AMENITIES PROJECTS
The proposed civic amenities projects include post offices,
police
category

stations,
of

health

projects

facilities,

are

the

and

banks.

responsibility

of

Each
the

respective

provincial

departments

including

the

Home

Department, Health 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
should

for

be

the

provision

included

in

departments according

the

of

various

ADP's

of

civic
the

amenities
respective

to the phasing proposed in

this

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

The projects proposed to be funded by the private sector

alone re as follows:
i)

Hotels

ii)

Roadside facilities

17.3.2

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)

Picnic spots

ii)

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

arrangements

extensive

campaigns

to
for

carry
the

out

the

marketing

of

intensive

and

projects

and

promotions of tourism within Pakistan and abroad is proposed

take place

with the help of the private sector. A large

number of private sector industries and business concerns

should

be

promotion
Master

contacted
activities

Plan.

to
as

Consultants

sponsor
proposed
have

various
in

marketing

Chapter-14

thoroughly

of

explored

and
this
the

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

activities
various
the

at

various

programmes

service

sector

in

levels.

Master

response

which

to

Plan

the

includes

has

need

to

number

of

training programmes, workshops, education sessions etc. both

available in Pakistan and abroad, some requiring stipends
and scholarships. It is proposed that STC should be given
appropriate funds for this purpose through provincial and
federal grants/allocations.
17.7 STC INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING
STC needs a handsome amount of funding for its functions and
operations during the future. Following are the possible
modes of funding for STC administrative expenditures.
i)

Annual Development Programma (ADP)

ii)

Revenue Generation from various projects.

It is proposed that appropriate allocations should be made

in

the

provincial

ADP's

to

meet

the

STC

administrative

expenses during the first 2 to 3 years of the 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
activities
tourist

including

facilities,

the

designing

training

of

various

programmes

an

proposed

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

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)

STC Tourist Hostels

iii) STC Restaurants

b)

iv)

Cable Car

v)

Fishing are/Boating

vi)

Winter sports

Funded by STC alone

i)

STC Transport

ii)

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 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (PTDC)

Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation established in 1970

was initially envisaged to be a private sector venture. But
within a few years, it became yet another semi-government
organization
bureaucracy

where
were

the

dumped

crest
till

fallen
they

were

dummy-gods

of

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

were

appointed and removed at short intervals with the result

that no new projects were undertaken. They 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 thought was given to tourism as industry since
1988. However, no practical step was taken in this direction
for improvement, mainly due to the hurdles created by the
Ministry of Finance and CBR.
Despite many hurdles, the Government during the previous
tenure of Main Nawaz Sharif, allocated more than 250 million
rupees for the development and marketing of projects. But
the PTDC with hardly any expertise in these fields could not
utilize such a large allocation. The funds were squandered
away

on

inviable

purchase
small

of

motel

luxury

vehicles

projects

and

on

for

personal

"official

use,

foreign

trips. Eighty percent of the funds allocated to PTDC were

utilized for payment of salaries and overheads.
However, steps taken recently are indicative of another 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

employment

the

Corporation

agency.

was

Hundreds

turned
of

into

sons,

sort

nephews,

of
and

acquaintances of Ministers, MNA's and MPA's were inducted

and

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

integrated,

coordinated

and

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.

It was perceived that

after an initial financial support the STC would become a

self-financing

organization.

This

became

distant

goal

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

needs careful review and in depth study

under a separate consultancy assignment before it is 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 year.
This section will have three cells, as follows:
i)

Hotels

ii)

Restaurants

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

Development is an integrated process. Development in tourism

essentially depends

the development

in

many

other sectors of economy including roads, water

supply,
sewerage, solid waste management, electricity, telephone,
police,

post,

health

etc.

Separate

projects

have

ben

proposed for various infrastructure facilities and civic

amenities.

These

projects

will

be

designed,

planned

and

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

facilitation centers, etc. It will be

this

section

supervise

the

to

design

execution

spots,

tourist

the responsibility of

the

facilities,

of

these

plan

projects.

them

and

After

the

execution, this section will be given the responsibility for

O & M (operation & maintenance) of all facilities. This
section will have following different cells;
i)

Consultants Cell

ii)

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)

Publication and Distribution Cell

ii)

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

and impart relevant education and

training to strengthen the tourism service sector as a human

resource development. This cell will arrange and organize
various training programmes and workshops for this purpose.
f)

Transport Section

In order to provide efficient transport arrangements and to

improve

the

existing

conditions

by

creating

healthy

competition, it is proposed to establish STC transport in

the

Region.

This

section

maintained by the STC

g)

will

be

operated,

managed

and

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

Agencies

i.

Road Projects
Department, C&W

ii.

Highway

Department

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

Ministry of Communications

vi.

Telephone

: Pakistan

Telecommunication Corporation.
vii.

Police Stations

Home Department
viii.

Health Facilities

Health Department
ix.

Banks

Commercial Banks
The above implementation framework however requires a high
degree

of

coordination.

It

is

therefore

proposed

to

establish a coordination cell within STC which will

liaison

with

project

the

line

developments

involved

in

the

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.

Immediate Action Programme is proposed for a period of first

two years and involves activities aimed at improvements and
upgrading

in

the

existing

tourism

facilities

without

involving huge capital outlays. It therefore, focusses more

on

adopting

the

regulatory

measures.

Various

activities

proposed for the immediate action are as follows.

i.
It

STC Strengthening.
is

prerequisite

to

strengthen

the

institutional

arrangements of STC to play a stronger role to ensure the

implementation

of

gradually as and

the

Master

Plan.

STC

should

expand

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

with

the

activities

proposed

as

immediate actions. However, the sections involved in the

activities

proposed

in

the

long

-term

plan

should

be

established later.
ii.

Licensing of Private Sector Activities.

The performance of various tourism facilities provided in

the

private

sector

including

hotels,

restaurants,

tour

operators, tour guides etc. is extremely poor in terms of

both quantity and quality. There is no mechanism to regulate
and

monitor these activities. It is proposed that STC

should be given the licensing authority which is presently

held

with

Peshawar.

the

Deputy

Inspectors

Controller,

Ministry

should

appointed

be

of
by

Tourism,
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.

STC should establish contacts and

coordinate with the line

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.

STC should establish contacts and

coordinate with the line

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

strengthening

to
of

fully

STC

which

complete
had

the

institutional

commenced

during

the

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

of

the

new

Infrastructure

Facilities.
It

is

proposed

to

provide

new

infrastructure

facilities

including water supply, sewerage, electricity etc. to the

areas

where

new

tourist

facilities

have

been

developed

during this phase. This should also be done in an integrated

manner as an extension to the existing facilities.
v.
Civic

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 of the private sector to participate
in the development, implementation and 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 development of new hotels, motels, restaurants,
picnic spots etc. It will include all 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 new tourist facilities have been developed during this
phase, as proposed in the Master Plan, in an integrated
manner.
iv.

Marketing and Promotion.

It is proposed to further expand the area of marketing and

promotion

activities

during

this

last

phase,

and

the

international market should also be fully covered in this

regard.
v.

Human Resource Development

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.