ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) to take immediate action to promote tourism across the country, both locally and internationally.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister stressed that both public and private sectors must work together to attract international tourists to Pakistan’s scenic destinations. He also highlighted the need to encourage domestic tourism and attract long-term investment in the sector.
“Pakistan has great potential to earn foreign exchange by promoting tourism,” he said, pointing to the country’s natural beauty, including snow-covered mountains, forests, rivers, deserts, and plains. “With these blessings, our country is no less than any other nation in the world in terms of tourism,” he added.
PM Shehbaz also directed that Pakistan should be introduced abroad as a tourism brand. “In collaboration with the provinces, steps should be taken nationwide to promote tourism under the vision of national development,” he said. “We aim to make Pakistan one of the world’s top tourist destinations.”
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During the meeting, the PTDC and other officials presented proposals on how to fully utilize the country’s tourism potential. Suggestions included promotion of northern areas, development of medical tourism, and other related initiatives.
Those present at the meeting included Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Minister for AJK and GB Affairs Amir Muqam, Minister for National Heritage Aurangzeb Kitchi, Adviser to PM Rana Sanaullah, Special Assistant Huzaifa Rehman, and other senior officials.