ISLAMABAD, June 30 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) to take immediate and practical measures to promote tourism in Pakistan, with a particular focus on attracting international tourists and boosting domestic travel.
Chairing a high-level meeting on the promotion of tourism in the country, the prime minister stressed that coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors are essential to make Pakistan an accessible and attractive destination for both local and foreign tourists.
“There is immense potential to increase foreign exchange reserves by advancing tourism,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said.
“Allah Almighty has blessed Pakistan with unmatched natural beauty — from snow-capped mountains, forests, rivers, and plains to deserts and historical landmarks — making it comparable with the most beautiful countries in the world.”
He emphasized the need for specialized tourism packages to draw visitors to the country’s diverse recreational destinations. He also called for long-term planning and investment to strengthen the tourism infrastructure and economy.
The prime minister underlined the importance of introducing Pakistan as a global tourism brand. “With the cooperation of provincial governments, we must implement nationwide initiatives to promote tourism under our vision for national development,” he stated.
“We aim to make Pakistan one of the top tourist destinations globally.”
During the briefing, various proposals were shared to fully tap into the country’s tourism potential. These included the promotion of northern areas, encouragement of medical tourism, and other niche sectors that could attract both international and local visitors.
The meeting also discussed the creation of targeted packages, the development of accessible transportation and accommodation, and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage as key components of tourism promotion.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam, Minister for National Heritage Aurangzeb Kitchi, Advisor to PM Rana Sanaullah, Special Assistant Huzaifa Rehman, and senior officials.
The prime minister directed relevant departments to develop and implement a clear, time-bound strategy to boost tourism, ensuring that Pakistan’s vast natural beauty and heritage are effectively presented to the world.
