Govt to develop tourist sites in Pindi division

World Bank to finance the project

RAWALPINDI: To promote tourism in Punjab, the provincial government has prepared several projects, some of which will be financed by the World Bank.

Adviser to Punjab Chief Minister on Tourism Asif Mehmood confirmed the development to The Express Tribune on Monday.

He said that the World Bank has already transferred funds to the Punjab government to transform the province into a model tourist destination.

Among the projects is one for transforming Chakwal into a tourist destination, with the district boasting lakes of different sizes and has been declared as the “district of lakes”.

The Dharabi Lake in Chakwal will be developed as per international standards. Once complete, it will sport cycle boating, a volleyball court and other activities for visitors.

Further, he added that the government will evacuate and renovate historical and religious sites along the Jhelum River. In this regard, a two-century-old mosque, gurdwara, and temple, built close to each other on the banks of the Jhelum river will be renovated and restored.

“We will evacuate all three sites as the abandoned temple is being used as a junkyard while the gurdwara has some government offices working there,” the adviser said.

Moreover, he said that the Punjab government has decided to enhance the facilities in the mountainous town of Kotli Sattiyan, which is famed for its mesmerizing beauty.

The ancient Rohtas Fort in Jhelum will be restored in phases while Kahuta has also been declared a tourist destination due to its high altitude and alluring sights.

Work on these projects, Mehmood said, will commence after Eidul Fitr.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 19^th, 2020.