Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday (11.DEC.2020), said that tourism is exploding in Pakistan for the first time in history. Therefore, the need for eco-friendly policies has become more critical than ever before.
According to sources, the PM was addressing the launch ceremony of an eco-tourism agreement signed between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, the World Bank, and Nestle Pakistan.
During the ceremony, PM Imran Khan unveiled the logo of Travel Responsibly for Experiencing Ecotourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TREK).
Need for eco-tourism in Pakistan
PM Imran Khan said that irregular tourism, unplanned development, and improper disposal of waste is destroying many of Pakistan’s beautiful touristic sites. Therefore, there is an increased need for bio laws and eco-friendly tourism in the country.
He cited the example of famous tourism spots in Pakistan. Including Murree, where many unplanned buildings have been erected, turning the place into a concrete jungle.
“Tourism is being negatively affected because of the concrete jungles. No one will come here if this continues,” PM said. “If we make sure that our touristic sites are clean, they will attract more tourism.”
PM Imran Khan added that a country’s tourism would not succeed if the residents are not able to benefit from the industry. He further added that the tourism industry has the potential to create more jobs.
The PM emphasised that the model of development of tourist resorts should benefit the local population which would provide opportunities to earn livelihood to them. “It will make our tourism sector sustainable and help in preserving the tourist spots,” he added.
Imran Khan lamented that unplanned tourism has badly affected the tourist spots such as Murree, Naraan and Nathia Gali. However, he added that the initiative taken by the K-P government today are playing a vital role. The initiatives include, waste collection and management and recycling. These steps will go a long way in protecting the picturesque sites and tourism in the country.
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