RAWALPINDI: Punjab Senior Minister for Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday ordered the restoration of 46 inactive gurdwaras in the Rawalpindi district.

In a meeting following her visit to Taxila, she said that the provincial government will develop Taxila as an international heritage city.

She said the Lahore Walled City Authority (LWCA) will begin work in collaboration with the district administration to chalk out a plan in this regard.

According to a statement, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema, LWCA Chairman Kamran Lashari, local members of parliament and officials from the Planning and Development Department and district administration attended the meeting.

Marriyum Aurangzeb says Taxila to be transformed into international heritage destination

She said the Punjab government was working to improve the tourism sector in the province and all heritage sites will be preserved to highlight the country’s historical value.

She added that a comprehensive plan would soon be formulated, with the Planning and Development Department, district administration and the LWCA beginning work shortly.

Ms Aurangzeb stated that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the relevant authorities to launch a mega tourism project titled Magnificent Punjab, aimed at making Punjab a regional and international hub of tourism.

According to the minister, the provincial government plans to restore Punjab’s historical sites in three phases. She said that Maryam Nawaz has announced the development of Taxila into an international tourist city.

She also directed officials to upgrade the Taxila Museum by establishing modern display centres, as well as constructing places of worship for Buddhist pilgrims.

A new gallery named Siddhartha will also be developed.

Ms Aurangzeb said the entire province has been divided into nine regions based on historical and tourist sites.

She highlighted the development of heritage areas along the GT Road, Salt Range and Taxila Gate.

Later, the provincial minister visited the New Town police station and Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi.

She directed that the New Town police station be upgraded to a smart police station as per the chief minister’s directives.

She instructed the installation of a management information system, the implementation of a token system and the placement of signage to guide the public.

She also called for improved facilities for women, better lighting and ventilation, building repairs and general cleanliness within the station.

During her visit to Holy Family Hospital, she assessed the available healthcare services.

The senior minister reviewed cleanliness, medicine availability, and treatment facilities.

She ordered an increase in the number of beds in the emergency ward and the activation of two out of four non-functional operation theatres.

She emphasised that surgeries should not be delayed and that the public should be clearly informed that medicines are being provided free of charge in government hospitals.

Taking notice of the suspension of medicine distribution records, she instructed the hospital administration to display medicine details on an external screen near the pharmacy.

“After the visit, the number of beds in the surgical emergency ward increased from 32 to 41 immediately,” said Holy Family Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Ijaz Butt.

He noted that although the operation theatres were structurally functional, some equipment issues remained and would be resolved within a week.

Separately, in a meeting at the commissioner’s office, Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, along with Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Danyal Chaudhry, reviewed developmental projects and public welfare initiatives in the region.

She praised the district administration for its effective management of Eidul Fitr arrangements, particularly their initiative to refund overcharged fares to passengers, which she said fostered public trust and convenience.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2025