Islamabad, Feb 21: Punjab is set to witness a major transformation in its tourism and heritage sector as the government moves forward with plans to restore 170 historic sites across the province. With a vision to elevate these locations to international standards, the initiative aims to breathe new life into temples, mosques, gurdwaras, and other culturally significant landmarks, making them prime destinations for local and international visitors.
A formal proposal for the establishment of the Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority has been submitted for cabinet approval. Once given the green light, this authority will oversee the management and preservation of Punjab’s historical, cultural, and tourism-related assets, ensuring their sustainable development. The government has already taken legislative steps in this direction by enacting the Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority Act 2024 and introducing a new tourism policy to guide the initiative.
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The restoration project places significant emphasis on religious and heritage tourism, with plans to rehabilitate 101 gurdwaras, 53 churches, and various other sites of cultural importance. These efforts align with the government’s broader strategy to promote religious harmony and attract pilgrims from around the world. To enhance visitor experience and infrastructure, modern facilities, upgraded roads, and high-quality services will be introduced.
In addition to restoring historic landmarks, the initiative includes several large-scale development projects. Bansra Gali is set to be developed as a dedicated tourist village, while Changa Manga will undergo a major transformation into a modern leisure resort. Sixteen new parks will also be constructed across the province, offering green spaces for recreation and eco-tourism.
One of the most ambitious components of the project is the development of Taxila into an international tourist city. Recognizing its significance as a center of Buddhist heritage, new temples and galleries dedicated to Siddhartha will be established to attract visitors from Buddhist communities worldwide. Similarly, 46 inactive gurdwaras will be fully restored to facilitate Sikh pilgrims, further cementing Punjab’s reputation as a key religious tourism hub.
By combining heritage conservation with modern tourism infrastructure, Punjab is positioning itself as a premier destination for history enthusiasts, pilgrims, and travelers. With restoration work scheduled to begin in June, the province is set to undergo a cultural revival that will not only preserve its rich history but also boost its tourism economy.
