LAHORE, July 29:
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar inaugurated the Government House Murree for the general public at a ceremony held today.
Addressing the ceremony, he said that the facility of staying could be availed by depositing dues adding that inauguration of this boutique heritage resort is a wonderful occasion. Transformation of government buildings into rest houses is the start of eliminating VIP culture while Prime Minister Imran Khan has set an example of austerity by staying at his home.
He said that the promotion of tourism is a priority agenda of the PTI government and regretted that this sector was badly ignored in the past. He said that practical measures are taken by the Punjab government to promote tourism and best utilization of government assets is a policy of the government so as to increase the financial resources. Decision has been made to use government buildings of historical importance for tourism purposes and the Government House Murree has been offered for unofficial use for the first time, he added. Golden jubilee of this historic building was held 15 years ago and a number of international personalities have stayed in this majestic building.
It is an honour to stay in such a magnificent building and the government does not want to limit this honor to its dignitaries only. Ordinary people could also avail this facility to enjoy best facilities, he added. He said that 177 rest houses and guest houses have been opened in the province by the Punjab government as the government wants to use all available opportunities for the promotion of tourism as an industry.
He said that the tourist spots of far-flung areas including that of southern Punjab are being developed and added that tourism development cooperation’s resorts are being renovated in DG Khan. He said that camping sites, safari and paragliding events will be held to promote tourism and heritage markets will also be setup to promote the local culture. He said that the double-decker buses will be run soon in Multan and DG Khan and hoped that a large number of local and foreign tourists will be attracted through such initiatives to earn foreign exchange.
This would also create employment opportunities for the local population, he added. He said that food/fruit tourism has been started in Punjab and new tourist spots are being renovated in eight different districts of the province. Rooms made of fiber glass and steel are being arranged to provide best staying facility at tourist spots, he added. He said that parkway project will be introduced in the areas of Koh-e-Suleman and Kotli Sattian and best staying facilities will also be provided in Kala Bagh and surrounding areas of Namal lake. The government wants to use famous Ochali Lake of Soon Skasar valley for eco-tourism and Dhurabi lake will also be developed as a resort. He said that Rohtas Fort Parkway will be developed in Tilla Jogian for the promotion of religious tourism.
Meanwhile, desert safari and new camping sites are introduced in Thal and Cholistan and cultural shows will also be arranged to make desert rally more attractive. He said that religious tourism is being promoted by the Punjab government and first TDCP motel has been opened in Nankana Sahib where best facilities will be provided to Sikh Pilgrims and other visitors and Punjab will be known globally with regard to its rich heritage and tourism, he added. Sports Minister Taimoor Bhatti, ACS and DG Protocol also addressed the function.
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