'Eco-tourism network to preserve heritage'

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has launched its most extensive and integrated eco-tourism network project.

According to an official announcement, the initiative aims to preserve Punjab's historical, cultural, environmental, and natural assets while transforming them into world-class tourist destinations.

The objectives include providing high-quality facilities to tourists and safeguarding Punjab's historical heritage, strengthening the local economy, and generating employment opportunities.

Provincial Senior Minister Marryum Aurangzeb said while chairing a meeting that Punjab government has allocated the largest-ever budget for tourism and archaeology in the fiscal year 2025-26 to position the province as a globally recognised tourist hub.

Development projects have been initiated in Rajanpur, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Jhelum, Gujrat, Muzaffargarh, and Sahiwal to establish modern tourism facilities. These include the construction of rest houses, eco-tourism points, cultural centres, and recreational sites aimed at introducing local culture and natural beauty to the world.