Punjab to revive heritage tourism in Rawalpindi

“Historical buildings to be utilized for the promotion of tourism.” Said Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, in a statement issued on Sunday.

He added that in order to generate resources, the government would ensure the best utilization of public assets and historic buildings to attract tourists. Opening up the official rest houses for the public was an exemplary step taken by the government, as the best boarding and lodging facilities would benefit people.

Mr. Buzdar highlighted that, in his government’s economic policy, the promotion of tourism was a crucial point, and under the comprehensive tourism plan, a new tourist strategy would be developed in the province. To fulfill the goal, a program has been initiated that will provide every required facility at different tourist spots, as it is also a step towards generating tourism.

These steps would further ensure stability in the sector as his government works on economic discipline.

On the other hand, divisional administration starts identifying historic buildings to be refurbished, these would be the tourist attractions and develop more hill stations in Rawalpindi.

Divisional Commissioner Saqib Zafar briefed, that the Punjab government has asked for more hill stations to be developed under comprehensive tourism police in Punjab, in Rawalpindi as this would help in reducing the burden on Murree hill station.

He further highlighted his visit to Kahuta, Kotli Sattian and Jhelum helped him identify three places to have the potential to attract visitors.

A forest rest-house in Narar, Kahuta, has been identified that would be used to house the visitors. It was built in 1902, at 1,980 meters above sea level, and is a potential site for a hill station as he inspected the rest-house which needs renovations, for visitors visiting the district, said Mr. Zafar, as the government will be briefed on this matter and await for the approval to begin work.

In addition, Rohtas Fort in Jhelum would also be renovated and improved by providing other facilities like constructing roads for accessibility. The fort was made in the era of Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century, has been identified for revival, he added.
A picnic spot has also been identified at Rasul Headquarters in Jhelum, between Pind Dadan Khan and Mandi Bahauddin.

As the provincial government’s program would provide facilities to the tourist spots, this initiative would help generate employment for locals residing, as the government’s goal would be ensuring security arrangements, making it easier for the public to visit.

The deputy commissioners of Chakwal and Attock have also been assigned the task to identify possible tourist sites, and the district administration would soon send their reports.
In Rawalpindi city, a programme to revive the city will begin soon, and the Parks and Horticulture Authority have also started their work in this regard.

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