The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government launched a new Home Stay initiative to promote tourism and create local employment. Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi distributed interest-free loan cheques under the “Mezban” programme in Peshawar. The scheme allows residents in key tourist areas to host visitors in their own homes.
Officials said interest-free loans of up to Rs3 million will help residents develop home-stay facilities. So far, 95 beneficiaries have received cheques. The programme covers major tourist destinations including Swat, Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Abbottabad, and Mansehra.
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Speaking at the event, CM Afridi said the initiative would provide tourists with quality accommodation and allow host families to earn income with dignity. He added that the programme aims to combine income generation with cultural hospitality, enhancing the tourist experience.
Afridi also criticized the federal government’s economic policies, saying inflation has hurt citizens since 2022. He highlighted that Islamabad owes Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over Rs4,000 billion and cited IMF-reported corruption of Rs5,300 billion. He stressed the need for greater investment in local communities for sustainable development.
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The provincial government emphasized that the Home Stay scheme will boost sustainable tourism while ensuring economic benefits reach local communities. Officials said the initiative aims to strengthen K-P’s tourism sector and improve livelihoods in popular travel destinations.