The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has unveiled the ‘Chief Minister’s Youth Empowerment Program’, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship and bolstering the tourism industry. This interest-free loan scheme focuses on empowering residents in key tourist areas to enhance infrastructure and generate sustainable livelihoods.
Loans of Up to Rs3 Million for Tourism Infrastructure
Zahid Chanzeb, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Tourism, Culture, Archaeology, and Museums, announced that beneficiaries under this program can avail of loans of up to Rs 3 million. These funds are intended for constructing additional rooms for tourists or renovating existing homes to improve accommodation facilities.
The program’s dual focus on entrepreneurship and infrastructure development aims to significantly boost tourism while providing economic opportunities to young people in KP. Special emphasis is placed on supporting women entrepreneurs, enabling them to establish their businesses and contribute to the local economy.
Focus Areas for Phase One
In its initial phase, the Chief Minister’s Youth Empowerment Program will prioritize key tourist destinations, including:
- Kalam (Swat)
- Kumrat (Upper Dir)
- Laram Top (Lower Dir)
- Upper and Lower Chitral
- Galyat (Abbottabad)
- Kaghan
- Mansehra
Residents in these regions can leverage the loan facility to cater to the increasing demand for quality accommodation, thereby enhancing the overall tourist experience.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism and Inclusivity
This program is a collaborative effort between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority and the Bank of Khyber. Its primary objective is to:
- Promote sustainable tourism across the province.
- Encourage youth-led businesses in the hospitality sector.
- Empower women entrepreneurs, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities.
The KP government envisions this initiative as a catalyst for economic growth in the province’s scenic regions, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach local communities directly.
How the Program Benefits the Youth
By providing interest-free loans, the Chief Minister’s Youth Empowerment Program addresses financial barriers that often hinder young entrepreneurs from entering the tourism industry. This strategic support not only improves tourism infrastructure but also creates job opportunities and drives economic progress in KP’s picturesque regions.
Stay tuned for more updates as the program unfolds and transforms KP’s tourism landscape.
 has unveiled the ‘Chief Minister’s Youth Empowerment Program’, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship and bolstering the tourism industry. This interest-free loan scheme focuses on empowering residents in key tourist areas to enhance infrastructure and generate sustainable livelihoods.){kind=link}