Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has called for the creation of “special tourism zones” under public-private partnerships to transform Pakistan into a premier international tourist destination.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting focused on promoting tourism in the country.
The Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan’s immense potential to generate foreign exchange through its tourism sector, highlighting the country’s diverse natural beauty, including snow-capped mountains, serene rivers, lush forests, vast deserts, and rich historical sites. He stated that these attractions could rival any global destination.
To realize this potential, Prime Minister Sharif directed the Pakistan Tourism Development Authority (PTDA) to take immediate practical steps to promote tourism. He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts between federal and provincial governments and advocated for robust public-private partnerships to facilitate both international and domestic tourists.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister urged the development of long-term investment plans for tourism development and emphasized the critical need for effective branding to position Pakistan as a leading global tourism destination. The move reflects a strategic shift towards leveraging Pakistan’s natural and cultural assets to boost its economy and attract a wider international audience.
