PESHAWAR, Sep 15 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has initiated the installation of new camping pods at Acharr Sar (Shangla), Laram Top (Lower Dir), and Beyun (Upper Swat) to expand local hospitality and open unexplored tourists' destination in the province. The development was shared by Director General (DG) KP Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA), Shahid Khan Mohmand, during a meeting with Peshawar Press Club President M. Riaz and cabinet members. According …
KPCTA to install camping pods at Acharr Sar, Laram Sar, Beyum: Mohmand
PESHAWAR, Sep 15 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has initiated the installation of new camping pods at Acharr Sar (Shangla), Laram Top (Lower Dir), and Beyun (Upper Swat) to expand local hospitality and open unexplored tourists’ destination in the province.
The development was shared by Director General (DG) KP Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA), Shahid Khan Mohmand, during a meeting with Peshawar Press Club President M. Riaz and cabinet members.
According to the DG, the project is being executed under the special directives of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi and Special Assistant for Tourism and Culture Malik Adeel Iqbal.
The pods will be operational for visitors in the upcoming tourist season, offering comfortable eco-friendly lodging in scenic high-altitude belts.
Highlighting the ongoing development initiatives, Mohmand stated that media partnership remains crucial for raising awareness regarding safe, sustainable tourism and opening local employment avenues.
Under the authority’s flagship Host Tourism Program, 91 individuals have been issued interest-free loans totaling 122 million PKR to set up homestay accommodations, enabling residents to build or convert up to two rooms for tourists. Out of 1,697 initial applicants, 1,521 passed preliminary processing and 130 were approved, with 25 beneficiaries already completing their guest houses.
To improve accessibility, the authority is constructing three major jeep tracks connecting Thal to Jahaz Banda (Upper Dir), Ayun to Bumburet (Lower Chitral), and Laram Sar to Asu Kando (Upper Dir).
Mohmand also noted that Pakistan’s first 24/7 tourism helpline (1422) continues to provide assistance to travelers navigating the Hazara and Malakand divisions.
Furthermore, dedicated visitor infrastructure—including prayer areas, restrooms, information desks, parking lots, tuck shops, and security posts—is being built across key small dams, including Tanda Dam (Kohat), Jahangira (Abbottabad), Jalozai (Nowshera), Sanam Dam (Lower Dir), and Zebi Dam (Karak).
