LAHORE (National Times) Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz has sought proposals regarding the establishment, design and comprehensive plan for the ‘Punjab Tourism Authority’.

She has directed the development of policy measures to promote tourism within the province and has established a special 25-member committee for this purpose.

Pakistan Muslim League (N) senior leader Senator Pervez Rasheed will serve as a special member of the steering committee, while senior provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb will act as the committee’s convener.

Provincial ministers for information, minorities, transport and communication will also be part of the committee.

Members include National Assembly member Afzal Khokhar, senior anchorperson Iftikhar Ahmad along with various secretaries from different ministries.

The committee is tasked with preparing proposals within 15 days to present to the CM, with the aim of developing a comprehensive tourism plan for Punjab.

The initiative aims to promote 8 to 10 key tourist destinations in Punjab having religious, cultural, historical and business heritage significance.

The government plans to promote foreign tourism and religious tourism in the region.

A complete restructuring of the existing tourism framework in Punjab will be undertaken.Under the CM directive,

This will include an upgrade of the system as well as a comprehensive overhauling of the archaeology, museums and transport sectors.

The development of a modern technology app and a tourism portal has also been initiated.