LAHORE: A cess is likely to be imposed by the Provincial Government on cinema tickets on the pattern of Pakistan Day memorial cess to raise funds for preservation and restoration of historical monuments and sites in the country, it was learnt here today [April 13].

This was one of the many recommendations finalised by the sub-committee appointed by the Central Co-ordination Committee for the preservation and restoration of archaeological and historical monuments and sites in the country headed by the Central Education Secretary, Mr Q.U. Shahab. The sub-committee is scheduled to meet in Dacca in the third week of the current month to finalise the draft recommendations for submission to the Central Co-ordination Committee.

According to these draft recommendations, apart from this levying of cess on cinema tickets, the Government of Pakistan will be asked to approach international organisations to provide assistance and help in this regard. Industrial organisations and philanthropists will also be approached for funds. Formation of a guide service on national level has also been suggested by the sub-committee to promote the cause of tourism in the country by offering up-to-date data and trained guide services. It is likely that a tourist guide training institute be set up by the Tourism Department for this purpose. — Agency

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2019