Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab, Fuad Hashim Rabbani, has said that seven new development projects worth Rs4 billion have been launched under the new fiscal year’s budget to boost tourism in the region.
Briefing about the development allocations, Mr Rabbani said that a recreational park and a tourist resort will be built in Fort Munro at a cost of Rs400 million. Another recreational park is planned along the Indus River at Ghazi Ghat, with an estimated cost of Rs800 million.
He said a flagship eco-tourism project is being initiated at Lal Suhanra National Park to promote sustainable tourism while protecting the natural ecosystem. This project will receive Rs2 billion.
Tourist facilities at Derawar Fort, Kot Mithan, and Tehsil Choubara will be upgraded, while new resorts will be developed at Mari in District Rajanpur and Ghazi Ghat.
Mr Rabbani said Rs250 million has been earmarked for modern time management systems and live GPS tracking devices for the Cholistan and Thal desert rallies to enhance event management and attract international participants.
He expressed hope that the timely execution of these initiatives will unlock the region’s tourism potential, generate employment and help uplift the local economy.