Modernization of Banjosa Lake, a step towards rebuilding tourism for future: PM AJK Sardar Tanveer Illyas Khan

ISLAMABAD, July 15 (SABAH): Under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan, the AJK government has started taking practical steps to promote tourism in Azad Kashmir.

During a high-level consultative meeting the AJK Prime Minister directed the concerned authorities to develop Banjosa Lake in Rawalakot on modern lines to attract local as well as foreign tourists. Speaking on the occasion, the PM AJK said that project should be completed in the next two months. Underlining the importance and economic value of tourism, the PM AJK said that given the state’s massive tourism potential there was a dire need to exploit ways and means to get maximum benefits from the tourism industry. He said that walking track, zoo, water sports and other entertaining facilities must be ensured. “It is time to take practical steps to boost tourism sector”, he said, adding that the government would facilitate investors besides providing them full protection.

Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan said that the government has already started the process to facilitate visitors and provide them easy access to tourist destinations all across the state. Along with making Tourism Authority active, the PM said that new untapped tourist spots having a massive power of captivating visitors would be introduced. The PM directed that at least 75% of the natural landscape should remain in its original shape during the lake modernization process. Similarly, the PM said that culture of Kashmir should also be made a part of the lake modernization project.

Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan said that the government will also take the services of the private sector for the promotion of tourism. There are vast opportunities for investment in tourism and other sectors in Azad Kashmir. “The government will ensure the protection of the interests of investors and the local population”, he added.

Earlier, office bearers of Poonch Land (Pvt) including Yasar Rafiq and Sardar Afnan Nawaz gave a detailed briefing to PM AJK Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan regarding modernization of the Banjosa Lake in Rawalakot. Government Ministers Sardar Fahim Rabbani, Ali Shan Soni, Member Legislative Assembly Javed Butt and Principal Secretary to PM Syed Shahid Mohi-ud-Din were present on the occasion.