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Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
CM eyes Punjab as tourist hub
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the launch of a tourism project, "Magnificent Punjab," aimed at transforming the province into a regional and international hub for history, culture, and tourism. As part of the initiative, 170 historical sites, including 101 gurdwaras and 53 churches, will be developed into world-class tourist destinations. The mapping of these sites has already been completed. The project has been in the works for five months under the leadership of Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who approved key proposals. The Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority is set to be established to oversee all tourism and heritage-related institutions. A new tourism policy and the Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority Act 2024 have also been prepared to ensure structured development. CM Maryam Nawaz has allocated funds in the Annual Development Plan for the restoration of Punjab's heritage sites in three phases, with work starting in July. The first phase is expected to be completed by June, while the second and third phases will follow. Immediate PC-I approval has been directed for 16 tourism projects, including Bansara Gali, Tourist Village, and various parks. Among the major initiatives, Taxila will be developed into an international "tourist city", while Chhanga Manga will be transformed into a modern entertainment center modeled after Switzerland. The Taxila Museum will be upgraded with modern display centres, a Siddhartha Gallery, and new places of worship for Buddhist visitors. 46 inactive gurdwaras will also be restored to attract Sikh pilgrims. CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized the protection of minority religious sites and the upgradation of infrastructure to provide world-class facilities for tourists. The Dilkush Lahore project has been allocated Rs400 million to preserve Mall Road's historical significance. For the first time, Punjab has been divided into nine tourist regions under the "Tourist Trails" initiative, covering key historical and cultural sites. A safari train will run along these trails, and tourists will receive special discounts through partnerships with the private sector. The 17th-century Hiran Minar is also set for restoration, and the Blue Dome will be expanded. Around Rs240 million has been approved to modernize the 131-year-old Lahore Museum. With UNESCO's support, Punjab's 1,000-year history will be preserved using digital storytelling. Tourists will experience Punjab's culture, folk tales, music, art and Sufi heritage through interactive technology. A digital tourism app has also been developed to provide travel information and services directly to visitors. CM Maryam Nawaz emphasised that promoting tourism will boost Punjab's economy and enhance Pakistan's global image. "Nations that forget their history, culture, and heroes disappear. We are bringing Punjab's rich heritage to the world," she stated. She also praised Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and her team for their dedication, expressing confidence in the successful execution of the project.
Express Tribune
21-02-2025
- Express Tribune
Punjab to establish tourism and heritage authority for 170 historic sites
Listen to article The Punjab government has decided to establish the Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority, a move that will see the restoration of 170 historic sites across the province. These sites, which include temples, mosques, and gurdwaras, will be transformed into international standard tourist centres, Express News reported. The official summary for the formation of the authority has been submitted to the provincial cabinet for approval. Once established, the authority will oversee all institutions related to history, heritage, and tourism in the region. The list of 170 sites includes 101 gurdwaras, 53 churches, and other historical landmarks. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, in her capacity as the relevant minister, has approved all proposed projects under the new initiative. To ensure the project's success, the Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority Act 2024 has been enacted, and a comprehensive tourism policy has been developed. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also included a three-phase plan for restoring Punjab's historic sites in the annual development programme, with tenders set to begin in July. The restoration is set to begin in June, with completion expected in the second and third phases. The preparation of PC-1 for tourism projects has been instructed on an urgent basis. The plan includes the construction of Bansra Gali, a tourist village, and 16 parks. The historic city of Taxila will be developed into an international "tourist city," and approval has also been granted for transforming Changa Manga into a modern leisure resort, similar to Switzerland. In Taxila, new temples and galleries named after Siddhartha will be built to facilitate Buddhist followers. For the convenience of the Sikh community, 46 inactive gurdwaras will be restored. To promote tourism, the best roads will be constructed, infrastructure will be fully upgraded, and modern facilities of international standards will be provided. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated that through this program for the revival of tourism, Punjab will be made the best tourism destination. "We will invite the whole world to experience Punjab, showcasing the cultural richness of the land of five rivers," she said. She added, "Punjab has witnessed the confluence of various religions, eras, and cultures. Protecting our history, culture, and heritage is a legacy for future generations. Promoting tourism will aid in economic development, and Punjab and Pakistan's global image will shine in a new light."
