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Gwadar Port To Be Developed On Lines Of Dubai
Updated on 2004-02-23 10:02:31
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan : Feb 23 (PNS) - Managing Director Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, Malik Muhammad Habib Khan has said that Gwadar has great potential for tourism and government has decided to develop the port on lines of Dubai.
Talking to APP, the managing director said Gwadar in near future would become as a hub of trade activities to be used as a channel by the Middle East states and other neighbouring countries. "Keeping in mind the potential of tourism besides trade, the government has decided to develop Gwadar Port like Dubai to attract private investment." Malik Habib said PTDC intended to construct a Tourist Complex at Gwadar Port to develop the scope of tourism in the area. Also, a letter had been written to the Chief Secretary for the allotment of land.
However, the plan has yet to be materialized due to the lack of funds, saying, government would welcome private investment in this regard. Malik Habib said tourism of the country had only been confined to the Northern Areas in the past. However, now the government is also exploring the potential of tourism in southern parts of the country like Sindh and Balochistan.
For this reason, PTDC is working on developing the beaches of country. It is currently constricting a resort at Hawks Bay and is also working on a joint venture with Defence Housing Authority in Karachi. About his recent tour to Punjab, the managing director said he visited the forts in Bahawalpur and decided to preserve the great cultural heritage. Negotiations are being held with the Dilawar family, currently looking after the fort, to hand over the fort to PTDC, he added.
He said the Tourism Minister, Rais Munir Ahmad is taking great interest to develop Bahawalpur regarding tourism. Also, the ministry will soon hold a Desert Safari in Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan as a joint venture with private partnership.
About his tour to Tunisia last month, the managing director said that discussions were held with his Tunisian counterpart, Ahmad Slouma where views about improving tourism prospects were exchanged. He said Tunisia had best infrastructure of its beaches with marianas and golf courses which are great tourist attractions. He said PTDC would introduce similar kind of recreational facilities at its beaches to help promote country's tourism.
The End.
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