RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Tourism Department has identified three sites in Kotli Sattian for development as tourist points.

In line with directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to make Kotli Sattian an alternative tourism destination, Tourism Secretary Raja Jahangir Anwar visited the area along with departmental heads and community representatives of district Murree.

During the visit, potential tourist sites such as Mandi Jawa, Chewra base and top, Dhanoi and Burj were identified where tourism projects like a theme park, chairlift, eco-camping and paragliding sites may be developed.

It was agreed in principle that these projects will be added to the upcoming annual development programme.

The secretary tourism emphasised the contribution of local community in promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

He vowed to take the community and stakeholders on board in finalising these subjects and hoped that local people will benefit greatly from an increase in tourist inflow.

The chief minister has directed development of more hill stations in order to decrease rush of visitors in Murree.

A senior official of the district administration said the government had asked them to develop a hill station in Rawalpindi.

“Promotion of tourism is an important part of our economic policy and new tourist points will be developed under a comprehensive tourism policy.”

He said the tourism department had identified three places which had the potential to attract visitors.

He said the district administration was considering identifying new areas, especially in Kahuta.

The government would be briefed to get a green signal for starting work.

He said the government had a programme of providing all facilities at tourist points as it will create job opportunities for locals.

He said the government will ensure security arrangements in these areas so people will visit there without any fear.

He said the deputy commissioners of Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal and Attock had also been asked to identify sites so that it could be made attractive for tourists.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2024