Devolution: Sindh’s tourism assets still handled by Islamabad

The centre had allocated Rs35m for publications and Rs36 m for the tourist information centres across the country.

KARACHI:

The tourism ministry has been handed over to the Sindh government but most of its assets are still in the federal government’s control. This is why the impatient provincial government has decided to send yet another reminder to Islamabad to hand over all assets. 

This was decided at a meeting held at Chief Minister House on Monday with CM Qaim Ali Shah in chair.

Tourism Secretary Pir Bux Jamali said that the Pakistan Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management, the department of tourist services, a motel at Hawkesbay, a tourist information centre at Thatta, a motel and tourist information centre at Moen jo Daro, approximately 4 acres of land in Sukkur were among the assets.

“We have only been given the assets of only two items, which include the institute and department of tourist services,” he said, adding that the remaining five have yet to be handed over.

The centre had allocated Rs35 million for publications and Rs36 million for the tourist information centres across the country. “We still are waiting our share from the amount,” he said.

The officials also decided that Keenjhar Lake would be developed with a tourist resort over 750 acres. They would set up a Keenjhar Lake Development Company.

A 14km dual carriage road would be constructed on the Hyderabad-Thatta national highway. They also formed a committee to attract foreign investment. The officials also discussed ways to develop the Gorakh Hill station and Bado Jabal.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2011.