Lahore Disneyland-like facility to cost Rs36 billion

The Newspaper's Staff Reporter Published November 13, 2015

LAHORE: The Punjab government has signed an agreement with a Chinese company (Golden Bean Group) for the construction of a state-of-the-art Theme Park and Aquarium in Lahore at a cost of Rs36 billion which will have recreational facilities like Disneyland.

The Chinese company will complete the world class Theme Park in one-and-a-half years. Lahore Commissioner Abdullah Sumbal along with Punjab Horticulture Authority director-general Mian Muhammad Shakeel and Chinese company chairman Jin Ming Nan signed the agreement here on Thursday.

According to a handout, the Golden Bean Group will also participate in the bidding along with national and international companies for the construction of Sundar Workers Welfare Complex Phase-I, a project of the Punjab Labour Department worth Rs7.78 billion, where 2,900 apartments would be built for industrial workers and labourers.

This complex will also have facilities of two separate PWWB schools for boys and girls, a community center, a mosque and other amenities of life.

Labour secretary Ali Sarfraz and Chinese company chairman Jin Ming Nan signed the MoU in this regard.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2015

Follow Dawn Business on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Pakistan

President Zardari, PM Shehbaz discuss country's political, economic and security situation

Major among 4 troops martyred, 24 terrorists killed during operations in KP and Balochistan: ISPR

Mir Raza murder case: Ex-SHO dismissed over misconduct, mishandling of evidence

A. Khan

Nov 13, 2015 08:10am

Hmm.. not sure if I want to go on a roller coaster that was built in record time. The leaky stations of another rush job... the Rawalpindi Metro bus...come to mind.

Recommend 0

Outspoken Indian

Nov 13, 2015 09:06am

Wonderful news. Pakistan should develop economically and become global tourist destination. Hope North Indians could visit Lahore easily with 7 days Visa on Arrival facility.Bhangra dance in Disney land will be wonderful.

Recommend 0

Umair

Nov 13, 2015 09:09am

Good..Meanwhile more than 50% of your population living below poverty line

Recommend 0

Jiyaa

Nov 13, 2015 09:16am

Finally!

Recommend 0

Younus Khan

Nov 13, 2015 09:21am

People are dying from hunger and there is no power, gas, basic infrastructure for poor people in all over Pakistan and we are building Disney land in Lahore. Rupee is sinking against dollar day by day I salute to the supporter of PML-N

Recommend 0

Danish

Nov 13, 2015 09:25am

Hospitals, schools and vocational training are priority not any theme park.

Recommend 0

Zubair

Nov 13, 2015 09:29am

Wow, recreational projects are needed

Recommend 0

Truth

Nov 13, 2015 09:36am

All development starts in Lahore and ends in Lahore. Democracy PMLN style.

Recommend 0

Jawad

Nov 13, 2015 09:38am

Please think outside Lahore and Karachi. How about earthquake people who are sleeping outside at night and have no homes.

Recommend 0

Hashim

Nov 13, 2015 09:39am

Is this required? Total waste of resources. The money should be spent on providing basic necessities like potable water and healthcare to the masses in the southern part of Punjab. There is an immediate need to invest in power and infrastructure as well. The paramount priority of the government should be uplifting of the social conditions of the people. These recreational parks and luxuries can wait for a country like Pakistan.

Recommend 0

saeeds

Nov 13, 2015 09:49am

Why goverment it is private sector responsibility . Max goverment can provide land and tax credit.

Recommend 0

Honey Badger

Nov 13, 2015 10:00am

Please spend money on education

Recommend 0

Zaraq

Nov 13, 2015 10:04am

Make everything in Lahore , Pakistan = Lahore , Lahore = Pakistan

Recommend 0

Owais

Nov 13, 2015 10:14am

This is a good project but must not be Govt funded instead should be a private investment. At one end, we are privatising state owned corporations and on the other hand investing in such projects - what a contradictions. Appears only kick-backs and commissions are in sight !

Recommend 0

AmArif

Nov 13, 2015 10:18am

Tells you the priorities of Govt. Mega Show-off Projects + Lahore :)

Recommend 0

(SAK) USA

Nov 13, 2015 10:19am

is Lahore the only city in Pakistan and is Punjab Pakistan, pmln always deprives other provinces . please develop Baluchistan , Sindh and kpk.

Recommend 0

Richard Anthony

Nov 13, 2015 10:23am

Is this a basic need of people of Pakistan. most of the population lives without clean water, electricity, gas and basic infrastructure. We need to think about interior Sind, Southern Punjab people which are the not having basic requirement of life. we have to pray to God for politicians as they are still not understanding the basic need of people of pakistan

Recommend 0

jaatboy

Nov 13, 2015 10:24am

While the basic human needs such as education,water,clean air,health care are lacking they wish to have disneyland

Recommend 0

Outspoken Pakistani

Nov 13, 2015 10:41am

@Outspoken Indian i sincerely hope this happens.

Recommend 0

Zulfi

Nov 13, 2015 10:42am

Good initiative by Pakistan to provide employment opportunities to Chinese businesses and work force. Thank You Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Apache

Nov 13, 2015 10:55am

OK Golden Bean Group, never heard of it. and also couldn't find anything good about them on Google.And a park? seriously you can make schools and universities, but a park?

Recommend 0

Nov 13, 2015 10:58am

IMF is giving millions of dollars as loan is not for this luxuries. It is to make the country first stand on its feet.

Recommend 0

Islamabad

Nov 13, 2015 11:09am

@(SAK) USA your sentiments are laudable. but this isnt a project spearheaded by the federal government.

Recommend 0

rehan

Nov 13, 2015 11:17am

Such are our priorities !

Recommend 0

rehan

Nov 13, 2015 11:19am

Imagine what could be done to the Government schools with Rs 36 Billion

Recommend 0

Assad

Nov 13, 2015 11:21am

I love how everyone is complaining that punjab isn't all of Pakistan and that the federal government should focus on other provinces, but they're ignoring the fact that the deal was created and signed by the punjab government and not the federal government. Get your provisional governments to sue the same for other provinces and stop trying to slander the federal government for something they are not doing...

Recommend 0

bryan

Nov 13, 2015 11:23am

@Umair I am an Indian. But let me tell you this is good news. Every time there is a positive news about a project there are many naysayers. E.g. any news n projects in India- there will be people who would point to poverty in India. Poverty exists in all nations. I as an Indian say emphatically that Pakistan must have more projects, it should also have a global tendering system. Get more nations to participate in your growth. CPEC is also good- but giving a blank cheque to any nation is very risky. Let poor people get jobs. Let pooor people benefits from activities in these places. We cant throw money at poor- its criminal to do so. 50% poor people and 50% not so poor people must get engaged in business. Business and money changes our thinking- we start thinking long term and master the art of negotiation. Good job Pakistan- get more projects.

Recommend 0

Zala

Nov 13, 2015 11:27am

Karachi contributes majority of taxes but when it comes to spending the taxes, Karachi is the last priority of the government. I wonder why?

Recommend 0

Khwarezmi

Nov 13, 2015 11:32am

Great - Lahoris are fun loving people and deserved such a facility. Also, it will attract people from other cities :)

Recommend 0

Kandhkoti

Nov 13, 2015 11:37am

@Zala It is a project being sponsored by the Government of Punjab and not by the Federal Government. why don't people of Sindh call for the similar projects in Sindh ?

Recommend 0

FAROOQ AHMED

Nov 13, 2015 11:40am

good job ...

Recommend 0

Inzy

Nov 13, 2015 11:55am

@Danish "Hospitals, schools and vocational training are priority not any theme park." You are right. But foreign investors are interested in money making businesses like theme parks and not charity ventures like hospitals and schools.

Recommend 0

Chitrali

Nov 13, 2015 11:55am

After bringing "revolution" in health and education sectors, Punjab governance has finally decided to spend "little" money on luxeries. Thanks PML-N.

Recommend 0

M.Khan

Nov 13, 2015 11:57am

I would suggest to please also arrange some children from thar distract, south Punjab and FATA dying of hunger and militancy as a representation of the actual Pakistan. The inhabitants of Baluchistan will also add to the beauty of the park. One can also place in the park the pictures of shabaz sharif while giving cheques to the victims of rape. Please don't forget to represent the worries of the earthquake stricken people, as it would be real entertainment and recreation. Wishing you best of luck on your way to insanity! Get Well Soon

Recommend 0

msadiq

Nov 13, 2015 12:00pm

I hope other provinces, especially Sind governments also show some initiative and encourage such projects in their capital cities. Once again Punjab government is showing the lead.

Recommend 0

Kanza

Nov 13, 2015 12:14pm

What will happen when the electricity goes out for load shedding after every hour.

Recommend 0

jimmyali

Nov 13, 2015 12:14pm

Building is easy, while keeping it maintained remains a question.

Recommend 0

HITMANN

Nov 13, 2015 12:20pm

Who will come to the disney land in Pak??

Recommend 0

Nov 13, 2015 12:22pm

Idea is good but it should not be on priority, ignoring other basic public demands. Further for recreational activities law & order condition of country be improved. In current circumstances would this park be able to attract foreign tourist?

Recommend 0

(SAK) USA

Nov 13, 2015 12:26pm

@Islamabad , indeed but they are the one providing funds to provinces, other provinces are struggling to get funds for basic necessities while Punjab gets funds for these luxuries. not fair.

Recommend 0

Sadaf

Nov 13, 2015 01:11pm

Punjab Govt, please have mercy on the masses of punjab n stop wasting our gard earned taxation money on such crappy projects which are not needed. Spend on what is direly needed i.e. Health education crises management gas n power supplies. Tell us what have you done to provide basic facilities to people. Focus on building a nation instead of road bridges n dusneylands.

Recommend 0

czar

Nov 13, 2015 01:12pm

@bryan very sensible comment

Recommend 0

Ishrat salim

Nov 13, 2015 01:22pm

This is answer to all those PML N trolls who thinks that only Punjab, sorry Lahore has that kind of funds, should research has that billions have been taken from banks by the Punjab govt against sasti roti,yellow cab scheme, Ashiana housing scheme, metros, Danish schools, youth funds ( who will return this money like who return yellow cab monies ), , laptops, money lost and metros heavily subsidized @ Rs 20 billion yearly, and all those funds were of course, arranged by the provincial govt from govt banks against federal govt bank guarantee, which is not provided to other provinces. So, even after failures of number of projects, the life of more than 60 % of poor people who are living below poverty level not improved, so, what are we celebrating about.

Recommend 0

A shah

Nov 13, 2015 01:35pm

International bidding process? I wonder who will win?

Recommend 0

A shah

Nov 13, 2015 01:39pm

Is this a joke?

Recommend 0

Nov 13, 2015 01:40pm

@Kanza Good Point.

Recommend 0

Abdullah Masood

Nov 13, 2015 02:19pm

To all those; who have commented: It is Disneyland like facility, not a Disneyland. It would be just like a modern version of theme park like Jungle Kingdom in Rawalpindi or Changa Manga in Lahore.

Recommend 0

sohaib

Nov 13, 2015 02:21pm

atleast punjab govt is doing something hats off to SS

Recommend 0

Muby

Nov 13, 2015 02:28pm

Disney land rather than quality schools , colleges , universities and hospitals !!! one has to be living on the moon to enjoy this news

Recommend 0

Rauf

Nov 13, 2015 02:32pm

@Inzy totally agreed .This is just a waste of resources and financial assets .

Recommend 0

sheryaar

Nov 13, 2015 02:34pm

@sohaib sahem on u ... people in earth quake areas are living in opne air with no food or clean water.. and u supporting this non sense project.. God forbid if one day ur family is on the streets and living in open air and then i will ask u to compliment the govt ....

Recommend 0

Mustafa

Nov 13, 2015 03:05pm

Meanwhile 45.1% of your population is illiterate and the standard of literacy for the other 54.90% is that, well they can just write their names. Shame. Please wake up people especially those who can just about read this and stop voting in people who are turning Pakistan into a circus. Education should be our top priority, not metros and playlands.

Recommend 0

Junaid

Nov 13, 2015 03:05pm

@(SAK) USA Because the project is signed between Punjab Govt. (not Sindh, KPK, Baluchistan, or Federal) and Chinese Investors. Though agree there're other opportunities, basic problems to be solved, where money can be invested, but the point I am trying to make here is why not other Govt's. try to do the same thing. Every province is 'almost' independent after NFC award.

Recommend 0

Yaser

Nov 13, 2015 03:27pm

Disneyland!!! Mian Sahab, please spend the 36 Billion on education, trust me, we need it....

Recommend 0

Blitzer

Nov 13, 2015 03:34pm

The priorities of this government are seriously out of order. Shouldn't tacking the energy crisis, improving law and order, health, education and poverty-alleviation be at the top of their list? $36 billion PKR is a significant sum. Why can't SS and his team focus on getting FDI in the energy sector or health or education? Why does it always have to be about gloating-rights for Mr. Shahbaz Sharif and his PML-N?

Recommend 0

Umair Khalid

Nov 13, 2015 03:46pm

Pakistani nation deserves this when they vote for the looters and plunderers. Common man doesn't have access to clean water, low cost quality education, reasonable health facilities, affordable food and this is what you give them Orange line Train Metro Playland Shame on the govt!

Recommend 0

Tanweer Khan

Nov 13, 2015 03:49pm

I have read every single comment below. Most of the comments are totally flawed. This is a private project - funded by a Chinese company. The provincial Punjab government isn't diverting any of its resources away from education, health etc to fund this project. The Chinese are taking care of all the funding. The federal government has NOTHING to do with this project at all. Best case scenario is that this will create jobs for locals, help the local economy - and raise taxes that could be used to help the public's standard of living. Worst case scenario is that it is a total flop, and the Chinese company loses its investment. So the comments around Lahore, Punjab, Health, Education, Federal/Provincial governments are pointless. That said, those that oppose this privately funded project can just decide not to patronise it. And those that are calling for this in other provinces too should surely raise that issue with their local politicians and ask them to arrange such projects.

Recommend 0

Adnan Aziz

Nov 13, 2015 03:57pm

When there is no accountability in a country, this is what happens. With less than 50% Literacy Rate and extremely miserable socio-economic indicators, It is absurd to even think of such projects. Sharifs are unfortunately given to pomp and show and think that their names would be written in history with golden words. They are sadly mistaken here. Build schools and hospitals, promote literacy, law and order and a culture of tolerance. This is what is required. One Concerned

Recommend 0

Humera

Nov 13, 2015 03:59pm

what a shameful act...in a country where more than 70% people are living their lives below the poverty line who don't have even hygiene water to drink , a country where a huge lot of talented youngsters including engineers, doctors and other professionals are jobless....does this Govt really think to build such recreational parks?? ...rather than saving lives by providing them clean water and creating opportunities of getting job ....just think about it

Recommend 0

Akhtar

Nov 13, 2015 04:12pm

Good news if it means jobs for the locals. Entertainment is always something people want.

Recommend 0

Tanweer Khan

Nov 13, 2015 04:25pm

@Humera What have all the points that you raise got to do with a project funded by a Chinese company? Where is the shame in allowing a privately funded investment to materialise; one that will create jobs for Pakistanis and also taxes for the provincial government. All your points are 100% valid as issues that need to be tackled - but as this project does not impact on any of those, then surely it needs to be welcomed. If it was a case of the Punjab government building this using its own resources, then I would have been the first person to challenge them on this. However, it is a private project funded by the Chinese. If it was being built by a Pakistani company, this wouldn't even be an issue - but as it is a Chinese company the provincial government needs to be involved for licensing, legal, security, tax and regulatory matters. That's all - so I am not sure why you call this a shameful act. Can you please enlighten us precisely what the shameful bit is - Thanks.

Recommend 0

Khan

Nov 13, 2015 05:56pm

@Younus Khan Please read article. It is a PRIVATE investment. The government is not building this.

Recommend 0

hayat ali

Nov 13, 2015 06:30pm

These Shareef Brothers are up to all tricks and do not care for common man ,look only doing things in Punjab as if that is Pakistan,

Recommend 0

Mulazim hussain

Nov 13, 2015 07:57pm

Is Lahore the only city where all the dev projects to be launched. Khadim ala doesn't see any other place except Lahore. Extremely discriminatory!

Recommend 0

Chuppa Rostem

Nov 13, 2015 08:01pm

@Umair So what do you propose we do, stop everything and start whining about the poverty line. Grow up and stop complaining.

Recommend 0

Chuppa Rostem

Nov 13, 2015 08:04pm

@(SAK) USA You should ask the question from the other provinces as to why they don't do anything. The money spent in the Punjab infrastructure comes from the Punjab resources and not funded by the federal govt.

Recommend 0

Chuppa Rostem

Nov 13, 2015 08:08pm

@Zala Let get the facts right. Only because all taxes are collected in Karachi does not mean Karachi is producing the items that are being taxed. And the projects initiated in Punjab are funded from Punjab's own resources. If the other provinces are being led by incompetent governments that shouldn't stop the Punjab government to hold back from progress and development.

Recommend 0

Waqas

Nov 13, 2015 08:10pm

Great! Any news about it's exact location in Lahore?

Recommend 0

AMJAD KHAN

Nov 13, 2015 09:20pm

Who is getting the commission with fake companies created to enrich the cronies.I am sure Ishaq Dar knows.People who cannot afford bread are being offered cakes.First basic need of the masses should be addressed.

Recommend 0

waqas iqbal

Nov 13, 2015 09:40pm

@Outspoken Indian Sure thing, but it is not going to be the official "DisneyLand" it is going to be some theme park just like DisneyLand.

Recommend 0

Nov 13, 2015 09:59pm

@Truth "All development starts in Lahore and ends in Lahore. " any private project will based on expected return. Please stop spreading hatred and jealousy.

Recommend 0

Nov 13, 2015 10:01pm

How many has noticed that it is a private investment. All private investments are based on expected returns. Not on what province or what the poverty rate or lack of hospitals is. They must have worked their numbers.

Recommend 0

Naqeeb

Nov 13, 2015 10:49pm

Hmmm!! I might be the first to visit. Other chief ministers should also think about economic activities.

Recommend 0

Nida

Nov 14, 2015 12:43am

OMG!! highly unrealisticly low budget coupled with an equally unrealistic aggressive schedule for a 'Disney land' like themepark Has the Chinese construction company ever built a themepark? Who is the Project Management and design company? another train wreck in slow motion. ...!! Employee of a themepark development company

Recommend 0

Ameer

Nov 14, 2015 03:31am

@Umair this will produce money for the poor when people who can afford to come to this place give money and it will also create jobs for poor people as they build more places like these. This is business. Try to look at things indirectly not directly.

Recommend 0

Ameer

Nov 14, 2015 03:38am

@Younus Khan this will make money for the poor when people who can afford to go to these places pay money to go there. This will also create jobs for poor people when they make places like these. Countries would invest in Pakistan. This is business. Try to look at things indirectly

Recommend 0

Irfan

Nov 14, 2015 03:45am

At least we have our priorities right. Sad

Recommend 0

sterry

Nov 14, 2015 04:33am

@A. Khan The Metrobus in Rawalpindi - Islamabad is just as great as the Lahore Metrobus and both are helping every day people who use the public facility. Punjab province government has done a great job improving things all across the province and this project will further improve tourism in the province. There is a reason why Punjab keeps developing and attracting investment and the reason is Shahbaz !

Recommend 0

Usama Tariq

Nov 14, 2015 01:54pm

@Umair 12-14% Of population lives below poverty line. rip knowledge.

Recommend 0

tahir rana

Nov 14, 2015 02:07pm

36 billion rs doesn't that equate to 3.6 billion us $? Well if that's the case last week American firm universal studios said they had plans to build a theme park in china costing 3.6 billion $ and judging by LA universal studio you know what u are going to get and it will be high standard.

Recommend 0

Love Pakistan

Nov 15, 2015 05:28am

@Zala karachi does not contribute majority of taxes at all. companies all over in Pakistan import export via Karachi port and pay taxes also many companies head offices are in Karachi while their business are in other cities and when they pay taxes it does not mean Karachi is contribute majority of taxes. when Gawadar port become operational then you will see how much taxes will be collected from that port. You should ask your provincial govt. for these kind of projects. If punjab can do this then other provinces can do too.

Recommend 0

John Cool

Nov 15, 2015 06:58am

Talking about taking a Mickey out of Pakistani people!!!!

Recommend 0

Omar

Nov 15, 2015 10:00am

Yeah who needs jobs, education and health care when you can spend the day playing around at 'Disney land', what nonsense!

Recommend 0

Hamza

Nov 15, 2015 10:02am

just what was required! A THEME PARK!

Recommend 0

Shahid

Nov 15, 2015 11:05am

What about health and education. Someone need to tell Khadam-e-Aala that nationa are built by healthy and educated citizens

Recommend 0

Nov 15, 2015 11:43am

I am very happy to see Pakistan trying to encourage the tourism sector. Nawaz Sharif sahab is doing a good job. I'd like to visit Lahore from India someday. Can't we do that instead of threatening one another with bombs.

Recommend 0

M Jamal

Nov 15, 2015 02:23pm

It seem that we are self sufficient in all matters and our people are very prosperous and we need fake Disneyland for the benefit of 1-2% of the rich population.

Recommend 0

zauq

Nov 15, 2015 02:24pm

@(SAK) USA Every province is getting due share from NFC. It depends upon the priorities of the provincial goverments as how to develop their provinces. If in Sindh launches full of currency notes are being smuggled to Dubai out of their NFC share, then it not fault of Punjab. Secondly a Chinese company is making investment in a profitable venture, fromwhere they will get enough return. it is not a charity programme. Sindh govt can also chalk out such projects, there is no body stopping them. An investment company shall not invest in a desert or at a place wherefrom the theme park disappears within couple of years through China cutting.

Recommend 0

Truth

Nov 15, 2015 04:28pm

Start off with basic free clean tap water system with cleaning the water facility like in th UK. It should also be connected to every house underground piping with reserwar in every town. Learn from the UK which converts sea and rain water to clean drinking water. Make this your first successful step and then move to next need.

Recommend 0

raje

Nov 15, 2015 07:39pm

Y are all projects going to China only. Your govt should encourage competitive bidding from local and other countries. Its not a good move to have all eggs in one basket. It will make your nation heavily indebted to China. This happened with USA using Pakistan in past, same will happen with China. China will ask for leverage in future for giving so much to Pakistan. Please learn lessons from past.

Recommend 0

Wake up call Khademe-Ala

Nov 15, 2015 10:40pm

You must allocate resources fairly for hospitals, education system, clean drinking water, fair and just justice system and above all clean up your police department. Once common people are provided with basic must have facilities then if any funds left go ahead with the theme park construction. Please get your priorties right its never too late to put things right.

Recommend 0

PPC

Nov 15, 2015 10:45pm

@Younus Khan , I am an Indian but in my home City, such Park is available. you just can not imagine, how it will work wonderfully for your children and young generation. it is needed . Even, you will find that older people too, are going in such park and enjoying the experience. Only reservation is that It should be built up by a Pakistani Company with joint technical collaboration with a Foreign Company so that hard earned Dollars are not drained to China. China is far bigger beneficiary with you while doing business with you and it seems, unilateral. Such business should have been done by open international tendering so that least amount of Dollars are drained out from Pakistan while making such project successful. China is too clever.

Recommend 0

Woz Ahmed

Nov 16, 2015 03:59am

If there is no subsidy from the state, except say limited tax free status, then this is a real positive. But most things in this country are not transparent. When CPEC was launched most of the population thought it was a grant not loans, with no competitive bidding. Wish this project well, just hope our leaders are being upfront.

Recommend 0

abu

Nov 16, 2015 06:32am

Rs. 36 Billion will be Rs. 72 billion by the time it will complete

Recommend 0