Murree to be made state-of-the-art tourist resort

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to convert Murree into a state-of-the-art international tourist resort with gigantic expansion plan and bring about a major improvement in the facilities available there.
A new road is also being built with approach to Murree from the federal capital while two chairlifts are also being built around the city.
A modern medical college will be built at the existing site of Samli sanatorium. The sanatorium will also see an improvement. The abandoned Brazilian embassy’s grand building would be converted into a library, children park and coffee shop.
The federal government would also contribute funds to modern Murree projects while the Punjab government would make a fiscal assessment for the projects on 15th of this month.
The decisions were taken in a high echelon meeting held at the PM House on Tuesday with Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in the chair. The meeting reviewed progress on development projects and approved new projects to make Murree a more comfortable place.
The prime minister was briefed about the details and preparatory work undertaken on different projects in the light of decisions made in the meeting held in Murree on July 3.
The prime minister approved bulk water supply scheme for Murree from Jhelum River. The project will cost Rs7 billion. A 30-km pipeline will supply water to the tourist resort. The project will be completed in 18 months after the award of contract.
The meeting was also briefed about rain water harvesting system installed with the cooperation of private houses and its further extension.
The meeting approved the development and upgradation of Brazilian Embassy building as a tourist attraction and this project will be completed in 10 months.
The meeting directed to invite bids from the private sector for the laser light show for entertainment of tourists during the peak tourist season.
The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to undertake cable car projects without disturbing the privacy of private houses and approved the start of feasibility work on Bastal Mor to Pindi point option. The prime minister also approved building of a state of the art hospital near the General Bus Stand and said the hospital must be equipped with the latest medical facilities.
He also directed development of the Samli Sanatorium into a big medical centre and establishment of a medical college at the sanatorium and asked for preparation of a detailed proposal in this regard.
The meeting also deliberated on the opening of an alternative route from Islamabad to Murree via Kotli Sattian onward to Patriata through a new expressway. The meeting considered preparation of comprehensive proposal with detailed work plan including a chairlift from Kotli Sattian to Patriata.
Federal Minister for Information Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Federal Minister for Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, senior provincial minister Raja Ashfaq Sarwar, Hamza Shahbaz Sharif MNA, chief secretary Punjab and other senior officials attended the meeting.