Rs2bn Have Been Allocated For Tourism & Archeology in Punjab: Asif Mahmood

By Our Web Reporter

LAHORE– Advisor to the Chief Minister on Tourism Asif Mahmood has said that the culture of neglecting the tourism sector in Punjab has been abandoned. In the budget of the new financial year under the leadership of Chief Minister Sardar Usman Bazdar, Rs 2,000 million has been allocated for the Department of Tourism and Archeology.

Elaborating on the budget in a statement, he said that the development budget of the tourism department has been increased by 231%. A total of Rs. 474 million has been allocated for development schemes. Rs 106.2 million has been earmarked for ongoing projects while Rs 368 million has been earmarked for new schemes. He said that all available resources were being utilized to fulfill the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan to make tourism the engine of economic growth.

The first tourism highway in the history of the country has been approved which will connect Queen Kohsar Murree with the new tourist destinations of Kotli Satyan, Panj Pir, and Nard in Rawalpindi. The new tourist destinations will reduce the tourist load on Murree. Rs. 30 million will be spent on the installation of the chairlift at Kotli Satyan, Rawalpindi. Rs. 17 million has been allocated for zip lining in Son Valley, Khushab District, Daud Khel, Changa Manga, and Dhok Tillian.

The construction of a parkway from Tala Jogiyan to Qila Rohtas will cost Rs 41 million. Rs 35 million has been allocated for the rehabilitation of Mughal Gardens in Wah. Similarly, deer Minar, Sheikhupura will cost Rs 90 lakh on a mini zoo to raise deer. A resort will be built near Fort Dravar Cholistan at a cost of Rs. 120 million.