By Riaz Hussain | Peshawar | August 7, 2025
In a key step toward promoting sustainable tourism and empowering local communities, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has officially handed over the management of camping pods in Bomburet Valley to the Kalash Valleys Development Authority.
The camping pods, previously operated by the Culture and Tourism Authority, have now been opened to tourists under a sustainable, locally-driven business model aimed at enhancing facilities while boosting the regional economy.
A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the office of the Secretary Tourism KP as part of the province’s Government-to-Government (G2G) policy. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials including Habibullah Arif, Director General of the Culture and Tourism Authority, and Minhajuddin, Director General of the Kalash Valleys Development Authority.
Also present at the occasion were Dr. Abdul Samad, Secretary for Culture, Tourism, and Archaeology, former Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Minority Affairs Wazirzada, members of the Kalash authority, and other tourism department officials.
Speaking at the event, Secretary Dr. Abdul Samad emphasized that comprehensive efforts are underway to promote tourism in Chitral, with special focus on the Kalash Valleys. He noted that the provincial government is working on several development projects aimed at improving the lives of local residents and highlighting the unique religious and cultural traditions of the Kalash community at an international level.
“These locally-managed camping pods will not only improve the experience for visitors but will also provide economic opportunities for the community,” he said, adding that the move represents a major stride toward environmentally responsible and culturally sensitive tourism development.
The initiative aligns with the tourism vision of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which emphasizes enhancing tourist destinations, preserving natural landscapes, showcasing hidden gems, and ensuring that local communities are key beneficiaries of tourism growth.
