PESHAWAR: The government has issued a new decision for people visiting famous tourist spots in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under which it will now be mandatory to pay an entry fee for entry into Naran, Kaghan, Lake Saif-ul-Muluk and other places.
According to official documents, it has been decided to implement a regular entry fee system in Kaghan Valley, under which an entry point will be established at Hissamabad from where a fee will be collected from every vehicle and motorcycle.
As per the notification, Entry fee details include large vehicle: Rs 200, Small vehicle: Rs 100, Motorcycle: Rs 20, while locals will be exempted from this fee. According to the Tourism Department, this move will improve the financial condition of the Kaghan Development Authority, and it is expected that this entry fee will generate millions of rupees per month.
This revenue will be used to increase facilities for tourists, including basic services like cleaning, parking, security and guidance. Secretary of Tourism Dr. Abdul Samad said that the purpose of the entry fee is not only to generate revenue but also to ensure the provision of quality and better facilities to tourists. He confirmed that the decision has been formally approved by the Board of Governors and its implementation would start soon.
There were different opinions on this decision in tourism circles; some people are calling it a positive step, while some are considering the fee an additional burden on masses. However, the government’s position is that this decision aims to make the tourism department more vigilant, integrated, organised and self-sufficient.
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