Tourism ban to be lifted in KP from today

The decision was announced by the Minister for Narcotics Control Azam Khan Swati on Saturday in a media talk. The minister explained the reason for this decision and said that KP’s economy majorly depends on the tourist industry, which led Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief Minister Mahmood Khan to jointly agree on the resumption of tourism in the province.

When asked about how the SOPs would be ensured, the minister said that the government does not wish to waste more of the ongoing tourism season and therefore, is going to reopen the industry. However, the government would ensure that hotel owners, transporters, and other related businesses follow the government’s announced standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The minister also highlighted that non-compliance with the SOPs would result in a tighter lockdown, which the economy and the nation cannot afford. The government is facing coronavirus and economic crisis at the same time and enforcement of a complete lockdown would shatter the economy.