PTDC needs funds for several projects, says MD

Islamabad
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has several projects in pipeline for promotion of tourism in the country; however, it is not in a position to enforce any of them only because of shortage of funds.
Talking to ‘The News’, PTDC Managing Director Ch. Kabir Ahmed Khan said that besides failing to clear the liabilities which also include payment of salaries to the employees, the department is finding hard to implement any project for tourism promotion because of non-availability of funds worth billions of rupees.
When asked about bailout package worth Rs1.5 billion as assured by the present government to PTDC, Ch. Kabir hailing the efforts of Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif said that the premier had approved the funds but the matter is pending with the Cabinet Committee of Restructuring (CCOR) for the last six months. Only meeting has to be convened to decide about the payment process.
Due to delay in release of funds under bailout package, PTDC is facing financial problems to implement strategies for promotion of tourist activities in the country besides clearing longstanding dues of the employees which include their salaries as well as clearance of other liabilities.
The MD demanded that the CCOR should without any further delay convene meeting to decide about the process of payment of bailout package to help the corporation restructure it through tourism activities.
In the meantime, the union representatives Waqar Ahmed, General Secretary told ‘The News’ that a case for funds release was registered with the Wafaqi Mohtasib which in its verdict on Tuesday has ordered the government to release the funds to PTDC within two weeks, enabling the department to clear the longstanding dues of employees.
The representatives also called upon the federal government to take steps for early release of funds within two weeks otherwise they would have no other option but to adopt the strategy of protest.
When this correspondent approached personal secretary, of finance minister, Haleem Farooqi, he said that the matter is under consideration of the government. However, a meeting has to be convened to release the funds of package. Whenever, meeting is held the matter would be resolved, he said.