The Punjab government has decided to establish Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority, a step that will see the restoration of 170 historical sites throughout the province.
These sites that include temples, mosques and gurdwaras will be transformed into international standard tourist centers, reported Express News.
The official overview of the formation of the authority has been submitted to the provincial cabinet for approval.
Once established, the authority will supervise all institutions related to history, inheritance and tourism in the region. The list of 170 places includes 101 Gurdwaras, 53 churches and other historic landmarks.
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has approved all proposed projects in his capacity as relevant minister under the new initiative.
To ensure the success of the project, Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority ACT 2024 has been adopted and a comprehensive tourist policy has been developed.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also included a three -phase plan to restore Punjab’s historic sites in the annual development program where the bids were to begin in July.
The restoration should begin in June, with completion expected in the second and third stages.
The preparation of PC-1 for tourist projects has been instructed on an urgent basis.
The plan includes the construction of Banra Gali, a tourist town and 16 parks. The historic city of Taxila will be developed into an international “tourist city”, and approval has also been awarded to transform Changa Manga into a modern leisure town, similar to Switzerland.
In Taxila, new temples and galleries named after Siddhartha will be built to facilitate Buddhist supporters. For the convenience of the SIKH community, 46 inactive gurdwaras are restored. To promote tourism, best ways will be constructed, infrastructure will be fully upgraded and modern facilities to international standards will be delivered.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated that Punjab through this program for resuscitation of tourism will be made into the best tourist destination. “We want to invite the whole world to experience Punjab showing the cultural wealth of the country with five rivers,” she said.
She added, “Punjab has witnessed the confluence of various religions, eras and cultures. Protection of our history, culture, and heritage is an inheritance for future generations. Promoting tourism will help with economic development, and Punjab and Pakistan’s global image will shine in a new light.
