AJK chief secretary pledges to develop tourism sector

Says hydropower generation is another area with great potential


Mamir August 03, 2018
Mansoor Qadir Dar on Wednesday inspected the record centre to expedite the project as early as possible. PHOTO: FILE

MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chief Secretary Mian Waheed-ud-Din on Thursday said that the government is actively working to frame the first ever tourism policy, which would be announced soon.

Addressing the media representatives at his office, he said, “AJK with its matchless natural beauty and hospitable climate holds huge potential to attract international and domestic tourists and the tourism sector needs to be further developed.”

He said that the public-private partnership in the sector would take priority to encourage the private investors in the proposed policy to boost tourism in the state.

The chief secretary disclosed that 400 points have been identified across AJK to make them safe and secure to facilitate visitors coming to Azad Kashmir from different parts of the country. He added that over 100 new small and big tourist resorts would be constructed besides improving and expanding the road network across AJK in the next two years.

He pledged to take several measures for preserving natural beauty by preventing illegal construction and encroachments in Neelum Valley and other parts of Azad Kashmir. He said that all possible measures would be taken to keep the River Neelum and River Jehlum flowing through Muzaffarabad city, free of pollution and sewage.

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The chief secretary said that the places of religious, cultural and archaeological importance in the state are being identified to convert them into centres of tourist attraction. He added that hydropower generation is another area that has great potential to exploit besides tourism.

With regards to the priorities of the government, he said that education and health sectors would remain the prime focus to lay the real foundation of progress and prosperity in the liberated area.

The Chief Secretary said that it is a matter of great satisfaction that AJK has extremely low crime rate and the area is most suitable not only for sightseeing but also for investment in different sectors by potential investors.

He said that AJK is rich in art and culture and keeping its importance in view “we have been working to chalk out a comprehensive plan to give special attention on promotion of Kashmiri art and culture.”

The chief secretary said that AJK is likely to get reasonable share in development under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project in building new network of roads, hydropower generation and other related projects.

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