LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday gave approval for establishment of ‘Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority’ for promotion of tourism and upkeep of heritage sites in the province.

She also approved the construction and restoration of 170 tourist sites and trails in the province.

She was presiding over a meeting that decided that tourism sites would be developed in various cities, including Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, Chakwal and Jhelum.

The meeting decided to develop Chhanga Manga Forest Park and Lal Suhanra National Park for the promotion of eco-tourism.

It was also decided that the Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority Act 2025 would be presented in the assembly to improve governance and promotion of tourism. The meeting was informed that the first ‘Magnificent App’ for promotion of tourism in Punjab has been developed, and will be launched soon.

It was told that the app will allow the users to have a virtual tour of 170 tourist destinations in Punjab and also includes various other features, including hotel booking etc.

Under the tourism plan, religious, historical, heritage and ecotourism will be promoted across Punjab.

Tourist villages will also be built to provide the tourists a sense of proximity to ancient civilisation of the area, besides development of tourism trails for the first time in Punjab, that would include The Mall, Lahore’s walled city, Sikh sites and Mughal monuments on the GT Road.

Besides, Sikh tourism trails will also be developed in the Salt Range, Bhati Gate, Taxali Gate, Gujranwala and Aimanabad. Tourist places in different cities will be developed as ‘Tourism Clusters’.

Moreover, Taxila Museum, Dharma Rachi Ka, Jolian, Sarkep and Giri Fort related to Gandhara civilization are also included in the tourism plan.

Multan’s heritage site of Qila Kuhna Qasim Bagh will be restored as a symbol of Indus Valley civilisation.

A special trail will be developed in Uch Sharif for the convenience of pilgrims.

The proposal to restore the ancient buildings of gurdwaras and churches was also reviewed for the promotion of tourism.

Addressing the meeting, the CM said, “We are laying the foundation for the promotion of global tourism in Punjab. We want to develop all tourist destinations according to international standards. Taxila will be made a complete tourist site, an a five-star hotel will also be built there for tourists.”

Published in Dawn, March 5th, 2025