Punjab CM Usman Buzdar launches Tourism for Economic Growth project
LAHORE (92 News) – Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar laid the foundation stone of roads infrastructure improvement plan of six tourist spots under Tourism for Economic Growth project on Friday.
The project has been launched in collaboration with the P&D Department and the World Bank.
Addressing the ceremony, the CM said that roads infrastructure would be improved with a cost of Rs 830 million, adding that revamping of the 35-kilometre long roads will be completed in the first phase. "Tourism zone is being developed in the salt range consisting of Chakwal, Khushab and Mianwali and new tourist spots are going to be introduced in Kotli Sattian, Chakwal, Jhelum, Soan Valley, Mianwali, Attock, Fort Munro and Koh-e-Suleman," he added.
The chief minister said that steps would also be taken to promote tourism in Jhelum, Multan, Bahawalpur and other areas. "More projects will also be started to further promote tourism because a large potential of historic, cultural and religious tourism is available in Punjab," he said.
Meanwhile, the CM told that a program is underway to restore Lahore Fort and other historic spots with an amount of Rs four billion. "Tourist spots will also be developed under a public-private partnership," he disclosed.
The CM said a total of 176 rest houses have been opened to the general public through an online booking facility. "The Punjab government has formulated tourism policy and a tourism authority has also been set up to promote tourism while software has been designed for online issuance and renewal of licenses of stakeholders," he added.
He announced to project Chakwal as a lake city as a number of natural lakes are available in this historic district. "Similarly, resorts are being established at various rivers and lakes to provide recreational facilities to the visitors. Such a resort facility is under construction at Taunsa Barrage to offer water sports activities," he added. The CM stated that double-decker tourist bus service is started in Rawalpindi and the facility will be extended to Bahawalpur, DG Khan and Multan soon.
The CM maintained that a lot of tourism-related potentials is available and Punjab will be projected as the hub of tourism. "The soft image of Pakistan can be projected worldwide through tourism and it will also attract investors. Cultural activities will also be promoted alongside," he added.
Senior Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, Provincial Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal, SACM Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, parliamentarians and WB representatives attended the ceremony.
