Islamabad, Jan 7: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is set to empower its youth with a new initiative aimed at boosting local tourism. Zahid Chanzeb, the Adviser to the Chief Minister for Tourism, Culture, Archaeology, and Museums, revealed that the provincial government will provide financial support to youth living in tourist-centric areas through the Chief Minister’s Youth Empowerment program. This program is designed to help local residents build additional rooms for tourists in their homes, with loan amounts reaching up to Rs. 3 million.
Chanzeb emphasized that this initiative will not only enhance the region’s tourism infrastructure but will also focus on empowering women by providing them with opportunities to start their own businesses. By improving tourism accommodations in rural areas, the program aims to support local economies while offering residents a chance to directly benefit from the growing interest in KP’s tourist destinations.
This announcement comes alongside the KP government’s December 2024 launch of the Ehsaas Apna Ghar Scheme, which provides interest-free loans of up to Rs. 1.5 million for housing construction and renovation. With a budget allocation of Rs. 4 billion, the housing scheme offers a seven-year repayment plan with manageable monthly installments capped at Rs. 18,000, ensuring accessibility for low-income families. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur inaugurated the Ehsaas Apna Ghar Scheme and aims to assist those in need of new homes or home improvements.
Together, these programs represent a robust effort by the KP government to improve living conditions while stimulating both the housing and tourism sectors, with a special focus on youth and women empowerment. These initiatives are set to transform the local economy, providing long-term benefits to both residents and tourists alike.
