Punjab drafts law for creation of tourism, culture authority

LAHORE: The Punjab government has finalised a draft law seeking to establish a statutory authority mandated with the regulation and development of tourism, cultural assets, and heritage management across the province. 

The proposed legislation, titled “The Punjab Tourism, Culture and Heritage Authority Act 2024” envisages the formation of a corporate body that would operate under the administrative oversight of the provincial government and function with a degree of institutional autonomy.

According to the draft, a copy of which is available with The News, the authority would serve as the principal body responsible for formulating tourism policy, declaring protected zones, regulating eco-tourism and religious sites, coordinating inter-departmental initiatives, and documenting both tangible and intangible heritage. The bill has yet to be tabled before the Punjab Assembly.

Under the proposed framework, the Punjab Tourism, Culture and Heritage Authority (PTCHA) would be headed by the chief minister or a designated nominee. Its membership would include secretaries from relevant departments such as finance, planning, environment, local government, and auqaf, as well as nominated members of the provincial assembly and four individuals from the private sector with expertise in tourism or heritage management.

The authority would have the legal capacity to raise funds, lease or manage state properties, and enter into service-level agreements with public and private entities. It would also be authorised to formulate codes of conduct for tourism service providers, initiate public awareness campaigns, and maintain a dedicated database and website for tourist information and feedback.

The draft law includes provisions for the declaration of specified tourist areas and protected zones, subject to coordination with local governments. It also authorises the authority to issue guidelines for conservation work, remove encroachments in designated areas, and initiate proceedings in cases of unauthorised occupation of state-managed sites. The proposed structure would be administered by a director general appointed by the chief minister, who would serve as the principal executive officer and accounting head. The director general would be responsible for the day-to-day management of the authority and would have the power to appoint or remove employees in accordance with regulations to be framed under the Act.

A separate fund to be known as the Punjab Tourism, Culture and Heritage Fund, is proposed for the financial operations of the authority. The fund would comprise government grants, institutional donations, fines, service charges, and income generated through leases or other permissible instruments, including the issuance of securities subject to government approval.

The draft also includes enforcement provisions. Individuals found to be in violation of the Act, including the provision of false or misleading information, may be subject to imprisonment of up to six months or a fine not exceeding Rs500,000. Offences would be bailable and subject to summary trial by a magistrate of the first class. The authority may also compound offences in specified cases.

Audit and oversight mechanisms include annual performance reports to be submitted to the government and placed before the provincial assembly. The authority’s accounts would be subject to audit by both the Auditor General of Pakistan and an independent chartered accountancy firm. A performance audit, to be conducted by the provincial government at least once a year, is also mandated in the bill.

The proposed legislation carries an overriding clause, giving it precedence over other laws in case of conflict. It also allows the authority to frame regulations and seek assistance from other departments, which would be required to comply unless justified in writing. The draft law includes provisions for the declaration of specified tourist areas and protected zones, subject to coordination with local governments. It also authorises the authority to issue guidelines for conservation work, remove encroachments in designated areas, and initiate proceedings in cases of unauthorised occupation of state-managed sites.”

The statement of objects and reasons accompanying the draft states that the purpose of the law is to institutionalise the promotion, development, and preservation of the province’s tourism and cultural sectors, while enabling a coordinated administrative approach.

It remains to be seen when the government intends to introduce the draft for formal legislative consideration.