Staff Reporter
PESHAWAR: A meeting was convened on tuesday under the chairmanship of Dr. Abdul Samad, Secretary of Culture, Tourism, Archaeology, and Museums Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), to review and advance the establishment of the proposed Boyun New Ski Resort in the Boyun Valley, Kalam.
The meeting, attended by Muhammad Nawaz, Additional Secretary, Tourism KP and Mr. Habib Ullah Arif, Director General of KP Culture and Tourism Authority (KP-CTA), included a detailed presentation from the project consultants, Hamza Tabish Raza, Mohsin Rehman, and . Alexander Steinlechner, who all joined remotely via Zoom.
Dr. Abdul Samad informed the participants that the Boyun Valley site encompasses approximately 2,900 acres of land, largely surrounded by lush green, dense forest. The Khyber Pakutunkhwa Government has principally agreed to execute this project to provide world-class skiing facilities and a modern winter resort, complementing the existing destination of Malam Jabba.
“The vision of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur is to promote tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along modern lines,” stated Dr. Samad. “This project represents a significant opportunity to provide new recreational facilities for our people and to cultivate a new generation of professional ski athletes for Pakistan.”
The proposed master plan designates 1,400 acres for skiing slopes and a further 1,500 acres for the development of hotels, restaurants, and other recreational amenities. Dr. Samad emphasized the consulting firm commitment to environmental preservation, stating, “The government is ready to proceed, but with a clear directive, not a single tree from the existing forest will be cut for this project.”
The consulting team provided critical initial assessments. Hamza confirmed that the specific area identified for the ski slopes is clear of trees, though a small village with basic hut structures is present. The consultants proposed relocating the residents to a suitable alternative location at the firm’s expense. It was indicated that a long-term lease of approximately 33 years would be required for the execution partner to develop and operate the full suite of facilities.
Addressing critical safety protocols, Mr. Tabish Raza stressed the necessity of installing a comprehensive Early Warning System to monitor weather conditions and manage potential natural hazards like heavy rainfall and flash floods, ensuring robust pre- and post-disaster management.
In response, Dr. Samad noted that various departments have existing early warning systems in the region and that local communities also employ effective indigenous methods to disseminate safety information. The meeting also discussed essential infrastructure, including road access, and the provision of electricity and water.
International support for the project was voiced by Alexander Steinlechner, who joined from Austria. “The international skiing community will welcome this project enthusiastically. The establishment of a new skiing facility in Pakistan’s beautiful north will certainly attract skiers from around the world to manage trips to Boyun,” he remarked.
Concluding the meeting, Dr. Abdul Samad directed the consultants to submit an updated and comprehensive proposal. This document will first be shared with the Secretary of the Forest Department for review and input before being presented to the Provincial Cabinet for final discussion and approval to begin implementation.
About the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KP-CTA), the KP-CTA is responsible for promoting, developing and regulating the culture and tourism activities within the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It works to showcase the region’s rich heritage, picturesque landscapes, and adventure opportunities to a global audience, driving sustainable economic growth.
