Senate panel highlights security, infrastructure issues affecting Chitral tourism

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination was told that security concerns and weak public facilities continue to hamper tourism in Chitral, where foreign visitors are still required to obtain a no-objection certificate before travelling to the district.

The committee met under the chairmanship of Senator Dilawar Khan to examine a broad agenda centred on tourism promotion in Chitral, coordination among institutions and national development programmes.

During the meeting, the panel was informed that a number of steps are being taken to support tourism in the area. These include the activation of digital platforms, the development of the Visit Chitral Valley website, the preparation of brochures and maps, and cooperation with UNESCO.

Senator Talha Mehmood raised concerns over the condition of tourism-related infrastructure in Chitral, saying the absence of basic services remains a major barrier to the sector’s growth. He said internet connectivity and access to social media, which he described as essential in the current tourism environment, are mostly unavailable in the region.

He said that despite the international significance of Kalash culture and the Shandur Polo Festival, arrangements for the large number of tourists visiting the area remain insufficient. He pointed to shortcomings in lodging, food services and emergency medical care.

The senator also highlighted the state of healthcare facilities in Chitral, telling the committee that hospitals in the district are facing an acute shortage of medical resources. He said even water is unavailable for surgical procedures and questioned why dialysis machines are not functioning across the district. He further told the panel that machines in Lower Chitral are also out of order.

The committee was also informed that a Responsible Tourism campaign has been launched to encourage respect for local traditions and environmental conservation, particularly in the Kalash region.

At the same time, the issue of security remained part of the discussion, with the panel told that foreign tourists must secure an NOC before visiting Chitral.

Members were further informed that after the 18th Amendment, tourism became a provincial subject. The committee was told that PTDC motels were transferred to the provinces in 2022 in line with that arrangement.

The meeting reviewed these issues as part of a wider discussion on how to improve tourism promotion and institutional coordination related to Chitral.