New tourist spot to open in Kotli Sattian

Project aims to boost local employment and infrastructure

RAWALPINDI:

The district government has decided to open a new tourist spot in Kotli Sattian, a hill town of the new district Murree, in April 2025 after a delay of four years.

The tourist spot will be operational for tourists next year. An approval has been granted for the installation of a chairlift cable car system in the rocky black mountains and dense forest.

Funds to the tune of Rs1 million have been sanctioned for the preparation of a feasibility report for the installation of the chairlift cable car system. The allocations can be increased in light of the bids after the tenders are opened. Officials say international companies will also be allowed to show interest in the feasibility report.

The opening of the hill resort in Kotli Sattian will create employment opportunities for the locals of the backward tehsil. New hotels, motels, restaurants and shops will be built on the 123km tourism highway.

This chairlift cable car system will be installed at Chewra village of Kotli Sattian.

These mountains of Kotli Sattian are higher than Murree, from where Mangla Dam, district Jhelum and the border area of Azad Kashmir and Occupied Kashmir can also be seen through a telescope.

The PTI-led Buzdar government kicked off the project and the then Advisor on Tourism and PHA chairman, Asif Mahmood pushed forward the project which hit a snag after the departure of the PTI government.

Officials say the entire infrastructure of the project is ready, roads are paved and trails are made. Since the roads are clear, families and youths have started camping here.

The Department of Tourism is preparing to open this new tourist destination next year with the support of the District Murree's administration. It is proposed to organise a fair on this occasion. The Prime Minister or the Punjab Chief Minister will inaugurate the project.