ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to take immediate and practical steps to promote tourism across Pakistan, emphasizing the sector's vast potential to contribute to the national economy.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan is richly blessed with natural resources and unparalleled beauty, making it a top contender in the global tourism landscape.
“From snow-capped mountains and dense forests to rivers, plains, and deserts, the northern and other regions of Pakistan offer a diverse natural landscape that rivals any country in the world,” he said.
PM Shehbaz reiterated the government's commitment to unlocking this potential by improving infrastructure, ensuring security, and providing facilities that attract both domestic and international tourists.
He directed the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) to take immediate practical steps to promote tourism in the country.
“Public and private sectors should work together to facilitate international tourists’ travel to Pakistan’s tourist destinations,” the prime minister issued directions while chairing a meeting held here to review promotion of tourism sector in the country.
The prime minister said special measures should be taken to boost domestic tourism and encourage local tourists to visit recreational sites and planning should be done for long-term investment in the tourism sector.
He said vast potential existed to earn foreign exchange reserves by promoting tourism in the country.
The prime minister further instructed that Pakistan should be introduced abroad as a tourism brand.
“With cooperation from the provinces, steps should be taken across the country to promote tourism,” he said adding that “under the vision for national development, we will make Pakistan one of the leading tourist destinations in the world”.
During the meeting, the prime minister was presented with proposals on how to harness the full potential of Pakistan’s tourism sector.
To promote tourism, steps such as the promotion of northern tourist destinations, medical tourism, and other initiatives can be taken, the meeting was informed.
