PESHAWAR – Following the recent attack on foreign diplomats in Swat, multiple district administrations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have formally requested the provincial government to halt the arrival of foreign tourists.
According to sources in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department, deputy commissioners and district police officers from the Hazara, Malakand, and central districts have sent correspondences expressing their concerns over the deteriorating security situation.
They have argued that ensuring the safety of foreign tourists under these circumstances is a major challenge, given the recent attacks and the ongoing security threats.Several districts, including upper and lower Chitral, Swat, Dir, Mardan, and Haripur, receive a large number of foreign tourists annually.
These areas offer a variety of attractions, including stunning landscapes, historical sites, and adventure activities. This year alone, over 6,000 foreign tourists have visited the province, contributing to the local economy.
However, the recent security threats have made it increasingly difficult for the local administration and police to provide adequate security to these visitors. The attack on the foreign diplomats in Swat on 22 September has raised serious concerns about the safety of tourists, and the local authorities fear that similar incidents may occur in other parts of the province.
It’s worth noting that No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for foreign tourists are issued by the federal Ministry of Interior, and provincial governments are merely informed of these approvals. This means that the provincial government has limited control over the number of foreign tourists entering the province.
The provincial government is now faced with a dilemma: balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to ensure the safety of both local residents and foreign visitors.
