KP’s Mezban program offers interest-free loans to convert private houses into tourist accommodation
PESHAWAR:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Thursday distributed checks for interest-free loans at a ceremony held at the Chief Minister’s House under the provincial government’s flagship program ‘Mezban’.
The event marked the second phase of the initiative, during which interest-free loan checks worth Rs81 million were given to 59 successful applicants. The officials informed the gathering that in the first phase, 36 applicants were given interest-free loans amounting to Rs72 million.
Under the Mezban scheme, local residents benefit from interest-free loans of up to Rs 3 million. The total cost of the program stands at Rs3.95 billion, while Rs2 billion was allocated in the current fiscal year’s budget. The program was launched in Swat, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Abbottabad and Mansehra.
The main objective of the initiative is to facilitate the accommodation of tourists in private residences while creating sustainable employment opportunities for local communities.
Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Minister said that the provincial government was taking concrete steps to promote tourism in line with Imran Khan’s vision. He said the vision was focused on investing in people so that they can prosper and contribute to the stability of the national economy, adding that the Mezban program was a practical manifestation of this approach.
He said the program provides opportunities for residents of tourism districts to earn a living while showcasing the tourism potential of the province. “Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has immense tourism capacity and the government is striving to utilize this potential for the economic stability of the province,” he said, expressing hope that the beneficiaries of the scheme will play a key role in achieving these goals.
The chief minister emphasized that tourists should feel a sense of warmth, dignity and respect during their stay. “Apart from earning income, we must also give and earn respect. Tourists are guests of both the government and hosts, and hence quality facilities must be ensured,” he added.
He informed that 125 people have been selected under this program, of which 89 have already benefited from interest-free loans. He reiterated that the selection process was conducted strictly on merit, stressing that merit and transparency were fundamental policies of the provincial government and no compromise was made in this regard.
Commenting on the political situation, the chief minister said people were facing hardships since the regime change, with inflation steadily rising. He said those who had “usurped public office” should reflect on the direction of the country, adding that their interests were in conflict with public welfare.
Referring to an IMF report, he said corruption amounting to Rs5.3 trillion had been identified. He expressed concern over the federal government not releasing the province’s unpaid dues while indulging in lavish expenditure, resulting in discriminatory treatment against Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
