MURREE: The Government House was opened to the public on Monday by the Punjab chief minister.

Hundreds of police officials were deployed on the Islamabad-Murree Expressway for the chief minister’s security along with dozens of police vehicles.

Mr Buzdar said the Punjab government had opened 177 government rest houses to the public.

He said the century-old Murree rest house, commonly known as Governor House, could be used for accommodation by the public. The queen of England, the United States president and other global dignitaries have also stayed there.

He said the tourism industry will not only generate revenue for the government, but will also provide job opportunities to local residents.

Many tourist development projects are being launched in Punjab, particularly in south Punjab, including in Dera Ghazi Khan, Fort Munro, Mubarki Top, Fazila Katch, Barthi, Aochal Lake, Kala Bagh and Namal Lake.

Tila Jogiyan will be developed for religious tourism, while Rohtas Fort will be surrounded by a park, he said. Kotli Sattian will be developed as a tourist resort.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2019