Daily Times

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has announced a comprehensive package for Chitral at the opening ceremony of Shandor Polo Festival on Friday.

The development package included establishment of Chitral University, 55 micro projects of net hydel power generation with an estimated cost of Rs 200 million and facilitation of over 50,000 people. The chief minister also announced a grant of Rs 1 billion for the overall development of Chitral district.

The official press release stated that CM Pervez Khattak also announced solar kits for 3,000 houses, and assured that the district would get a lion’s share in the already allocated Rs 2 billion for the promotion of tourism in the province. The chief minister said that there was no dearth of talent in the province, adding that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government would continue to support the young talent.

He said the government had already initiated a special programme to construct at least one playground at tehsil level. Khattak said the provincial government had limited resources but would continue to pursue the agenda for the promotion of traditional games not only at national but international level as well. He said the province had some 75 percent tourist spots, adding that his government was committed to promote tourism in the province.

He hoped that the development of tourism sector in the province would add to the provincial kitty as well as boost national economy. The chief minister said Shandor was a part of the culture and Polo reminded of the centuries’ old traditions of the region. He congratulated the players of different Polo teams, who demonstrated excellent skills on the occasion.