Pakistan’s government aims to boost its multi-billion-dollar tourism industry, but lacks basic facilities like rest areas (public toilets) for tourists, causing inconvenience for travelers.
Major tourist spots like Murree and Malam Jabba lack these facilities, leaving tourists to stop at mosques or hotels/restaurants. Politicians, often flying, overlook these essential needs for road travelers. For instance, the Islamabad-Murree Expressway lacks restrooms. Malam Jabba, 50 kilometers away, faces similar issues.
To enhance tourism, the government must provide public toilets. If providing free facilities is challenging, they could set up paid restrooms. Unfortunately, existing restrooms, like those in Malam Jabba, are poorly maintained, and unfit for use.
Similar issues are seen in Naran, Kaghan, and Bisham, where only petrol pumps offer public toilets.
Despite tourism promotion, the government neglects basic needs. Proper signboards for service areas, like those on motorways, are crucial. It’s time for the government to prioritize these facilities to support the growing tourism sector.
Read more: Top travel destinations that you might want to consider.
