In a move to boost tourism in South Punjab, the provincial government has announced an investment of up to Rs4 billion under the fiscal year 2025-26 budget.
The initiative includes seven new development projects focused on enhancing tourism infrastructure, preserving natural and historical sites, and promoting adventure sports in the region.
Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) South Punjab Fuad Hashim Rabbani shared the details of the planned investments on Friday, stating that the government aims to transform the region into a vibrant tourism hub by developing key sites and introducing advanced technology in major events.
As part of the initiative, a recreational park and tourist resort will be developed at the scenic hill station of Fort Munro at an estimated cost of Rs400 million.
Additionally, another recreational park will be established along the Indus River at Ghazi Ghat in Dera Ghazi Khan, with an allocation of Rs800 million.
These facilities aim to provide quality leisure spaces for tourists and locals alike.
One of the most ambitious undertakings in the new plan is the launch of an international-standard eco-tourism project at Lal Suhanra National Park in Bahawalpur.
With a dedicated budget of Rs2 billion, this flagship project will focus on sustainable tourism practices while preserving the park's unique ecosystem. According to ACS Rabbani, this effort is designed to place South Punjab on the map as an ecotourism destination of global repute.
In addition to new developments, several existing tourist sites will see upgrades.
These include the historic Derawar Fort in the Cholistan desert, the spiritual town of Kot Mithan, and Choubara Tehsil. New tourist resorts are also planned for Mari, a lesser-known but scenic hill station in district Rajanpur, and further facilities will be added in Ghazi Ghat.
Recognising the growing popularity of car sport events, especially the annual Cholistan Jeep Rally in Bahawalpur and the Thal Jeep Rally in the Thal desert, the government has allocated Rs250 million to enhance the management and international appeal of these rallies.
Funds will be used to procure modern time management systems and GPS-based live tracking devices, bringing these high-octane events in line with global standards.
ACS Fuad Hashim Rabbani emphasised that the timely execution of these projects will not only unlock the immense tourism potential of South Punjab but also generate employment, stimulate economic growth, and create new livelihood opportunities for local communities.
"These targeted investments reflect our commitment to regional development through sustainable tourism," he said, expressing optimism that the initiatives will significantly uplift the profile of South Punjab as a premier tourist destination in Pakistan.
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