ISLAMABAD, May 24: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Tuesday directed the tourism ministry to come up with an “innovative and focussed plan” for developing tourism on professional lines in the country. The prime minister, during a presentation by the ministry, called for an ingenious approach and strategy involving the private sector to boost tourism.

He said the country’s rich tourism potential needed to be marketed in a more professional manner to achieve positive results.

“Pakistan has the natural beauty, from scenic mountains to the sparkling sea, to attract tourists from across the globe,” he added.

Mr Aziz said the tourism ministry’s role should be that of a catalyst, as the tourism industry had the potential to earn foreign exchange and create job opportunities.

He also called for identifying specific sectors to attract foreign and local tourists, besides involving the national flag carrier, the Pakistan International Airlines.

Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation Managing-Director briefed the meeting on the organization, role, functions and objectives of the corporation.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League (PML) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain accompanied by the newly-appointed Secretary-General of the party’s Sindh chapter Nadir Leghari met Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz at the Prime Minister’s House on Tuesday.

The prime minister said the PML government had to deliver on its promises made in its manifesto particularly with regard to raising the standard of life of the people in the rural as well as urban areas, says a press release.

He said the government was launching Khushhal Pakistan Programme, which would be extended to the entire country. This programme would include projects related to health, education, roads, clean drinking water and infrastructure.—APP