Development: PTDC projects in AJK, G-B near completion

Govt releases Rs2.75b for Azad Jammu and Kashmir block

ISLAMABAD: At least nine development projects of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation’s (PTDC) are nearing completion, the corporation’s Managing Director Abdul Ghafoor said on Thursday.

Among these, the corporation’s projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Balitistan (G-B) are on priority list, he said.

“PTDC’s projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir will be completed at a cost of around Rs25 million, while a tourist facilitation centre in Gilgit-Baltistan will cost around Rs20 million,” Ghafoor said.

He said the under construction projects, located in AJK, G-B, Gwadar, Quetta, Karachi and Moenjodaro would help revive tourism sector in the country. “Tourist facilitation centre at Quetta will be developed at a cost of Rs20 million extension in Moenjodaro Motel will be completed at a cost of Rs15 million,” he said.

Moreover PTDC tourist facilitation centre at Karachi will be constructed at a cost of Rs15 million and a sum of Rs30 million has been allocated for the establishment of motel at Swat, he said. The uplift of PTDC head office in Islamabad federal capital and an adjoining tourist facilitation centre will cost of Rs30 million.

Funds released

Meanwhile under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for 2016-17, an amount of Rs2.750 billion has been released for Azad Jammu and Kashmir block and other projects against the total allocation of Rs14.7 billion for current financial year.

In addition, the government has so far released Rs4.5 billion for G-B. The planning commission has been following a proper mechanism to release funds.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 14^th, 2016.