Murree hills set for tourism makeover

Backed by an allocation of Rs150 million, expected to be completed within three months

RAWALPINDI:

Feasibility studies have been initiated to promote tourism in the hill tehsils of Murree and Kotli Sattian, covering a series of ambitious projects that include two new chairlifts, Pakistan's first sky glass bridge in Murree, a glamping pods village, and a state-of-the-art theme park.

The studies, backed by an allocation of Rs150 million, are expected to be completed within three months.

Kotli Sattian, renowned for its natural beauty, is also being designated as Punjab's model tourism tehsil. A chairlift is planned for the lush yet rugged mountain range of Panj Peer, while another will be installed at a newly identified tourist spot in Murree.

The sky glass bridge proposed for Murree will be the first of its kind in Pakistan, with feasibility work already in progress. Modern jungle theme parks are also envisaged for both tehsils, with the private sector expected to play a role in their development.

At present, Murree and Kotli Sattian host only a limited number of glamping pod villages; these will now be expanded and established at two or three additional sites. The Boy Scouts and Girl Guides are also set to be involved in these initiatives.

Talking to the media, Asim Raza, Managing Director of the Tourism Development Corporation Punjab (TDCP), highlighted the extraordinary natural charm of the Rawalpindi Division's two hill tehsils. "Kotli Sattian is now our principal focus. It is emerging as a new tourist destination, blessed with green forests, rugged mountains, waterfalls, and natural springs," he remarked.