Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s tourism authorities have announced an immediate ban on the free stay of VIPs and their families at government-run guesthouses across the province. This decision, driven by persistent public complaints, aims to ensure fair access to these facilities for all tourists.
For years, state guesthouses, cottages, and camping pods under the Department of Tourism and Culture have been freely accessible to high-ranking officials and their families, often at the expense of ordinary travelers. These VIP stays, sometimes extending for several days, have led to a shortage of available accommodations for regular tourists, generating widespread dissatisfaction and frustration.
In response to these public grievances, a formal notification has been issued mandating that all expenses incurred by VIPs during their stay at these government facilities must now be paid out of their own pockets. This new directive applies not only to provincial and regional tourism authorities but also extends to the top echelons of government and tourism department officials themselves.
The directive explicitly includes various key tourism development authorities, such as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cultural and Tourism Authority, Kalash Development Authority, Galiyat Development Authority, Kaghan Development Authority, Upper Swat Development Authority, and Kumrat Development Authority. All relevant officials have been instructed to ensure compliance with this new policy, emphasizing that no exceptions will be made.
This bold move reflects a growing trend in Pakistani governance, where public accountability and transparency are increasingly prioritized. By addressing the long-standing issue of preferential treatment for VIPs, the government aims to promote equitable access to state resources and enhance the overall tourist experience in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The new policy is expected to not only improve the availability of accommodations for ordinary tourists but also generate additional revenue for the tourism sector. This, in turn, could be reinvested in maintaining and upgrading these facilities, thereby boosting the province’s appeal as a tourist destination.
This decisive action by the provincial government is a step towards ensuring that public resources are utilized equitably and responsibly, reinforcing the notion that every visitor deserves a fair chance to enjoy the natural and cultural treasures of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
