The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has announced the launch of the ‘Chief Minister’s Youth Empowerment Program’, aimed at supporting young people in tourist regions.
Zahid Chanzeb, Adviser to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tourism, Culture, Archaeology, and Museums, said that beneficiaries can secure loans of up to Rs3 million under this initiative to construct additional rooms for tourists alongside their existing residences.
Chanzeb stressed that the program seeks to improve local tourism infrastructure while fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth, particularly by empowering women to start their businesses.
In its first phase, the program will focus on areas including Kalam (Swat), Kumrat (Upper Dir), Laram Top (Lower Dir), Upper and Lower Chitral, Galyat (Abbottabad), Kaghan, and Mansehra. Residents in these regions can use the loans to either build additional rooms for tourists or renovate their homes for better accommodation facilities.
This loan scheme aims to create sustainable livelihoods for the youth while promoting tourism across the province. Women entrepreneurs will be given priority in the program, underscoring its commitment to inclusivity.
The initiative is being launched in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority and the Bank of Khyber.
