Swiss ambassador Thomas Kolly being briefed about the Buddhist site of Butkara in Swat. — Dawn

MINGORA: Ambassador of Switzerland to Pakistan, Thomas Kolly, has said that Swat valley had got a huge potential for international tourism because it had gorgeous landscape, rich cultural heritage, archaeological treasure and well-mannered people.

He was speaking to mediapersons after visiting Swat museum and archaeological site of Butkara along with a delegation of Swiss embassy.

Provincial minister for tourism, culture and archaeology Atif Khan, KP director archaeology Abdul Samad Khan and MPA Fazal Hakim were also present on the occasion.

Thomas Kolly visits archaeological site of Butkara, Swat museum

The Swiss ambassador said that without any doubt the landscape was amazing in Swat, but there was much more to see in the valley and that was the centuries old cultural heritage.

“Swat has got something more unique in the shape of archaeological monuments and history which makes it comparatively better place in the world. This is amazing to see so many things together at one place; the beautiful landscape, rich cultural heritage, history and very good people. The excellent combination of all these makes Swat valley different and attractive for international tourism,” he said.

He said that a great exhibition of Buddhist artifacts and statues from Pakistan was recently held in Zurich which not only created a high level of interest in the ancient Buddhism, but also in KP from where the statues and artifacts came. He said that the government of Switzerland would continue its support to Pakistan in various sectors, including tourism.

Atif Khan, who accompanied the Swiss team, said that he was excited that the high-level Swiss delegation visited Swat to see the archaeological sites. He said that the government was taking steps to promote international tourism in Pakistan.

“To promote religious and archaeological tourism in KP and Swat valley, the government has allocated Rs500 million in which the archeological sites of high importance are being developed on international standards,” he said.

The minister said that the government was developing 20 archaeological and scenic sites on international standards in the first phase with five ski resorts in KP, including Gabin Jabba in Swat.

“The PTI government understands the importance of archaeological and religious sites and will develop tourism which will not only bring financial benefits to the region, but also create job opportunities for the local people,” he said.

Atif Khan said that the government had already formed a tourism authority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which would work for the promotion of tourism. He said that Swat motorway would be officially opened in May this year while construction of major part of the Kalam road would also be completed.

Published in Dawn, February 2nd, 2019