Khizar Hayat Abbasi,
MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chief Secretary Mian Waheed-ud-Din said government is actively working to frame first ever tourism policy which would be announced soon.
“AJK with its matchless natural beauty and hospitable climate holds huge potential to attract international and domestic tourists and the tourism sector needs to be further developed,” he told media representatives at his office on Thursday.
He said that public-private partnership in the sector would take priority to encourage the private investors in the proposed policy to boost the tourism in the state.
Emphasizing that promotion of tourism in Azad Kashmir is top priority of the government, Chief Secretary disclosed that 400 points on different roads across AJK have been identified to make them safe and secure to facilitate the visitors coming to Azad Kashmir from different parts of the country.
He said over 100 new small and big tourist resorts would be constructed besides improving and expanding road networks across AJK in next two years. The CS pledged to take several measures for preserving natural beauty of the by preventing illegal construction and encroachments in Neelum Valley and others parts of Azad Kashmir.
Expressing his firm determination to promote culture of sustainable development compatible with the environment-friendly policy of the government, he said all possible measures would be taken to keep the River Neelum and River Jehlum – flowing through Muzaffarabad city- free of pollution and sewage.
He said places of religious, cultural and archeological importance in the state are being identified to convert them into centers of tourist attraction. Besides tourism hydropower generation is another area that has great potential to exploit, he added.
Talking about the other priorities of the government, AJK CS said education and health sectors would remain prime focus of the government to lay real foundation of the progress and prosperity in the liberated area.
The Chief Secretary said it is matter of great satisfaction that AJK has extremely low crimes rate and the area is most suitable not only for sightseeing but also for investment in different sectors by potential investors.
He said AJK is rich in art and culture and keeping its importance in view we have been working to chalk out a comprehensive plan to give special attention on promotion of Kashmiri art and culture.
Answering various questions, Chief Secretary said AJK is likely to get reasonable share in development under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project in building new network roads, hydropower generation and other related projects.
