Tourism Potential Investment Opportunities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (NWFP)
Nature has gifted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with rich cultural
and tourism friendly environment. It has the potential
of becoming a big tourist attraction in the world, due
to its scenic beauty, geographical location, climate and
natural resources.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is
exceptionally rich in terms of multitudes of tourist
attraction. The essence of this attraction is visible
from the remarkable natural picturesque comprising beautiful
rivers, splendid water falls, spell-bound lakes mostly
in the mountainous region and green valleys in most
parts of the province. Due to its geographical location,
Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa has had been a confluence of different
civilizations which flourished and vanished with the
passage of time.
The quasi contiguity
of the province, with the Central Asian states and with
xiangiang province of China attracted many migrants,
businessmen, warriors and fortune seekers in different
ages for settlement. The interaction among different
races and their co-existence led to a rich cultural
heritage. The glimpses of such heritage are evident
from the Ghandhara archaeological sites at Gur Khattree
Peshawar, Takh-Bahi (Mardan), Seri Behlol (Mardan),
Shabaz Gari (Mardan) Nimo Gram Buddhist Stupa (Swat),
and collection of Ghandhara art preserved at Swat Museum,
Chakdara museum (Dir Lower) and Peshawar museum.
• The total area of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is
100200 sq.km
• Northern Zone: A mountainous
region full of natural picturesque having 5 small and
big rivers.
• Mid Part: It comprises of
Peshawar Valley, a seat of different civilizations.
• Southern Zone: Rugged dry
hills and vast gravelly plains with patches of alluvial
agri fields.
• North of province is exceptionally rich in
picturesque and alluring landscape, exotic valleys and
dense pine forest.
• The natural lakes and thick forests of the
province are safe heaven for eco tourism.
• Ghandhara remains testify the rich cultural
heritage of the province.
plete
with natural beauty. It was a favourite gateway from
the plains into Kashmir during Mughal, Durrani and Sikh
rules. It is a large area some 10,000 sq. km. The world
famous Karakoram Highway starts from Havelian, a town
in this region at a distance of 101 km from Islamabad.
The mighty "Lion River" Indus or Abasin flows
through the entire length of Hazara. It is strategically
located between the Northern Areas, Azad Kashmir, Punjab
and the rest of the KPK "North West Frontier Province". Hill
stations collectively known as the Gallis and the Kaghan
valley are the best known parts of Hazara. Pakistani
and foreign tourists throng its cool and serene valleys
during sizzling summer.
Abbottabad
is named after its founder James Abbot, Hazara's first
British Deputy Commissioner. It is at a distance of
121 km from Islamabad via Hasan Abdal. It is 1220 meters
above sea level and is situated at the crossroads of
most of the areas of tourist interest in Pakistan like
Nathiagali, Murree, Thandiani, Kaghan valley, Swat valley,
Skardu, Gilgit and Khunjrab. Taxila, one of the most
important archaeological treasures of the subcontinent
is not very far from here. There are two hills towering
above Abbottabad, Shimla Peak and Sarban Peak. There
are very fine panoramic views of the town and its surroundings
from Shimla Peak. The famous Pakistan Military Academy
is on the hill to the north-east side of the town. Shimla
Park located on a nearby hill with a pine forest is
well worth a visit. Abbottabad has still a very British
air with its European style bungalows, the club, the
church and the cemetery.
Nathiagali
clad in pine, walnut, oak and maple trees, is the prettiest
hill resort in the Galiyat region. It can be approached
both from Murree and Abbottabad. It is 34 km from Abbottabad
as well as from Murree. Nathiagali is 2501 meters above
sea level and is surrounded by lush green lofty mountains.
The British tried to create a little England here with
its small timbered churches, parks, bungalows and the
Governor's House. Breathtaking landscapes, spring water
and fresh air make it one of the most peaceful hill
stations in Pakistan.