Pakistan Tourism faces tough questions as Senate reviews PTDC’s future

Islamabad: The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) came under scrutiny as the Senate Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination raised concerns over its performance, financial situation and the condition of tourism facilities across the country.

The Committee questioned the current position of PTDC while reviewing tourism related matters during a meeting held at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Dilawar Khan. Members stressed the need for better management of tourism facilities and demanded a clearer picture of the condition of government owned tourism properties.

The meeting focused on development projects and public issues in Chitral, including tourism, roads, electricity, telecommunications and transportation matters. Senator Dilawar Khan chaired the meeting, which was attended by Senator Aimal Wali Khan, Senator Syed Kazim Ali Shah, Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro, Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Senator Naseema Ehsan, Senator Saifullah Abro and senior officials from relevant departments.

During discussions, the Committee reviewed PTDC’s performance and financial situation and examined the condition of tourism facilities and government buildings in Chitral. Members expressed concern over the condition of public properties linked with tourism and requested a detailed report regarding damaged government buildings.

The Committee directed the concerned authorities to provide complete information about the damaged properties so that their condition, maintenance requirements and future use could be properly reviewed. Senators emphasized that tourism has significant potential for economic growth, especially in areas like Chitral where natural beauty attracts visitors from across Pakistan and abroad. However, they stressed that proper facilities, better management and timely development work are necessary to increase tourism opportunities.

The Committee also reviewed other development challenges affecting Chitral. Officials from the National Highway Authority briefed members about progress on the Lowari Tunnel and nearby road projects. The Committee expressed concern over delays, funding issues and safety arrangements, directing that these important projects should be completed within the required timeframe.

NHA officials assured the Committee that details regarding Korean financial assistance for related projects would be presented in the next meeting.

The Committee also discussed delays in the feasibility study for the Chakdara Road project and called for early action to improve road safety and reduce future costs.

Apart from tourism and roads, the Committee reviewed electricity and telecommunications issues in Chitral. Officials provided updates on the fibre optic project, electricity supply and load shedding problems. The Committee decided to invite officials from the Power Division and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority in the next meeting to discuss solutions for uninterrupted mobile services.

The Committee also discussed transportation issues related to wheat supply between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Members stressed that unnecessary barriers to inter provincial trade should be avoided.

The Rawalpindi District Police Officer informed the Committee that police action is only taken against vehicles violating legal requirements. However, the Committee sought records of complaints related to check posts and directed that action should be taken against any officials found involved in corruption.

Officials from the Punjab Food Department informed the Committee that there was no ban on the transportation of wheat from Punjab, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Department explained the province’s wheat requirements and supply situation.

Chairman Senator Dilawar Khan directed all relevant departments to submit progress reports on previous committee decisions before the next meeting. He reaffirmed that public projects must be completed on time with transparency, proper coordination and improved services for citizens.