Maryam forms panel to promote tourism in Punjab

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has formed a 26-member steering committee to promote and develop tourism in the province.

The chief minister made this significant decision, appointing a 26-member steering committee. The Chief Minister’s Steering Committee on Tourism Promotion and Development has specially nominated Senator Pervaiz Rashid, with Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb as its convener.

According to an official notification, the committee includes Information and Culture Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, Construction and Communications Minister Soheb Ahmed Malik, Transport Minister Bilal Akbar, and MNA Afzal Khokhar.

Other committee members are chairman of planning and development, finance, tourism, construction, information, P&D, forest, environment protection, and transport secretaries.

The director general of Walled City Lahore, chairman of PITB, CEO of IDAP, CEO of Urban Unit, DG of PHA, DG of Wildlife and Parks, DG of LDA, and the NCA principal of NCA will also be part of the committee.

The committee will work collaboratively to identify, approve, and implement plans to promote tourism. It will also work to eliminate obstacles to tourism growth.

The committee will oversee the construction, rehabilitation, and repair of key tourist spots, as well as recommend upgrades to historical, religious, cultural, and commercial sites that hold tourism potential. Additionally, the committee will formulate a communication strategy to promote tourism by utilising digital, electronic, and social media platforms as a one-stop solution.

The tourism secretary will provide administrative support to the committee, which is expected to make recommendations within 15 days after consulting stakeholders.

Nawaz and Maryam meet Japanese Ambassador Mitsuhiro Wada:

“We are determined to further strengthen the excellent relations between Pakistan and Japan,” said Pakistan Muslim League-N (PMLN) President Nawaz Sharif during a meeting with the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Mitsuhiro Wada.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was also present. They discussed matters of mutual interest, the promotion of bilateral ties, and increased cooperation in various fields. Nawaz Sharif said, “Japan stands out globally for its hard work and dedication.”

Maryam emphasised that both Pakistan and Japan are interested in expanding bilateral trade. She praised Japan’s collaboration with the Punjab government in improving education, healthcare, and civic facilities.

“Punjab offers immense investment opportunities in education, health, energy, and other sectors,” Maryam Nawaz said, adding, “We are providing a favourable environment and incentives for investment in the province.”

Ambassador Mitsuhiro Wada expressed Japan’s interest in further promoting relations with Pakistan.

Notice: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has sought a report from the IGP after taking notice of the alleged gang rape of a 21-year-old girl by robbers during a robbery in Faisalabad.

Praises PM: “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has presented the case of the Palestinian people in an excellent manner,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, paying tribute to the prime minister for his remarkable address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).