- Advertisement -
PESHAWAR, Jul 10 (APP):The eighth meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee chaired by Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur here Thursday approved transaction structure of three projects including Ghanool Integrated Tourism Zone, Daraban Special Economic Zone, and PDA Commercial Complex.
The meeting was attended by provincial cabinet members Aftab Alam Afridi Advocate, Arshad Ayub Khan, and Muzammil Aslam, along with Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Additional Chief Secretary Planning and Development Ikramullah Khan, relevant administrative secretaries, and other members of the committee.
During the briefing, it was informed that Ghanool Integrated Tourism Zone would be established under the Design, Build, Operate and Transfer (DBOT) model of Public-Private Partnership framework. The initial lease period of the tourism zone will be 50 years, with the option for an extension of another 50 years.
Moreover, a revenue-sharing mechanism would be developed to distribute the income generated from the Ghanool Integrated Tourism Zone between KP Government and the private partner. The establishment of the tourism zone is expected to promote tourism in the region and contribute to the socio-economic development of the area. It will also create new employment opportunities for the youth of the province and ensure environmental protection. It was further briefed that the tourism zone will be equipped with all necessary infrastructure and tourist facilities.
Regarding the Daraban Special Economic Zone, the committee was informed that it spans a total area of 1,000 acres, out of which 722 acres will be designated for industrial use and 14.26 acres for commercial purposes. The zone will be developed in three phases, with an estimated total cost of Rs. 18 billion. The establishment of the Daraban Special Economic Zone is expected to generate 40,000 direct and 120,000 indirect employment opportunities.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur stated that these projects would serve as milestones in promoting industrial, tourism, and commercial activities in the province. He said that the provincial government is actively encouraging private sector investment to accelerate economic activity, adding that a favorable environment exists in the province for the promotion of private investment.
The CM directed the relevant authorities to ensure progress on PPP projects as per the specified timelines. He also instructed that reforms be proposed in the existing PPP system to further encourage investors and build their confidence.