LAHORE: Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has approved a plan to develop new tourist spots to promote tourism industry on modern lines in the province.

Presiding over a meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Thursday, Mr Buzdar directed the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) to take immediate steps to develop the tourist spot of the Sulaiman Range as well as renovate its resorts in DG Khan. The meeting decided to develop camping sites, safari, paragliding and local heritage markets to promote tourism at the grassroots.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Buzdar said vast opportunities were available to promote tourism as industry in the province and promotion of tourism was on the top of the PTI government’s agenda. He said south Punjab was badly neglected in the past with regard to tourism and the development of tourist sites in the region would promote tourism there.

The CM said development of tourist sites in the Sulaiman Range area would also create job and business opportunities for the local people. He gave directions for launching a social media campaign to project the tourist spots of Sulaiman Range. He asked for exploring the provision of electricity at new tourist sites through solar panels.

Mr Buzdar also stated in the meeting that small dams’ construction projects were under consideration for providing clean drinking water. He directed the officials concerned to develop Taunsa Barrage as a tourist spot, adding that Chowk Malik of DG Khan, which enjoyed a unique position due to its geographical location being at the confluence of four provinces, should be made attractive for the tourists.

Law minister Raja Basharat and P&D chairman, tourism department officials and others attended the meeting.

CORPS COMMANDER: Lahore Corps Commander Lt Gen Majid Ehsan called on CM Usman Buzdar in his office and discussed matters of mutual interest and professional activities of the army.

The CM paid tribute to the army for its success in war against terrorism and the invaluable services rendered for maintaining peace in the country.

Paying tributes to the courage and bravery of the martyred officers and personnel, the CM said the brave armed forces of Pakistan had achieved unforgettable achievements in war against terrorism. He said the nation had also rendered immortal sacrifices in the war against terrorism.

“The credit for maintaining peace in the country goes to the brave sons of the motherland,” he added.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2019