Maryam Nawaz Outlines Punjab Tourism Plans

LAHORE, September 27, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to developing Punjab’s tourism sector by promoting its historical landmarks, cultural heritage and natural landscapes at the national and international levels, describing tourism as an important avenue for economic activity, employment generation and the empowerment of local communities.

Lahore's international tourism recognition

In her message on World Tourism Day, the chief minister said Pakistan possessed substantial tourism potential, while Punjab in particular offered a diverse combination of historical sites, cultural traditions, religious landmarks, scenic landscapes and heritage destinations that could attract visitors from across the world. She emphasised the need to utilise these resources effectively and develop tourism infrastructure in a manner that could strengthen the province’s economic profile while preserving its cultural and historical identity.

Maryam Nawaz also welcomed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s decision to designate Lahore as its tourism and cultural capital for the year, describing the recognition as an opportunity to highlight the city’s historical significance, cultural diversity and heritage on an international platform. She said Punjab’s natural beauty and scenic destinations had considerable potential to attract domestic and international tourists and could be developed through modern facilities, improved accessibility and sustainable tourism initiatives.

Infrastructure and new attractions

The chief minister said the provincial government was pursuing measures to promote religious tourism alongside cultural and recreational tourism, noting that Punjab was home to numerous historic forts, religious sites, archaeological locations and culturally significant destinations. She stressed that the development of these sites could provide visitors with improved facilities while creating new economic opportunities for communities living in and around major tourist destinations.

She also highlighted ongoing and proposed infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing the tourism experience, including the proposed Murree Glass Train, which she said would introduce a new attraction for visitors travelling to the hill region. Development and expansion work on important roads, including Murree Mall Road, was also highlighted as part of efforts to improve access and facilities in major tourist areas, while Kotli Sattian was identified as an emerging destination with potential for further tourism development.

Economic opportunities for communities

Maryam Nawaz said the government was working to upgrade tourist destinations across Punjab by introducing modern facilities, improving infrastructure and undertaking reconstruction and development projects aimed at making tourism sites more accessible and attractive to visitors. She maintained that sustainable development of the sector required investment in infrastructure as well as preservation of the province’s natural environment, historical sites and cultural traditions.

The chief minister further emphasised the broader economic significance of tourism, saying the sector could create employment opportunities, strengthen local businesses and provide new sources of income for young people and communities associated with tourist destinations. Increased tourism activity, she noted, could benefit hospitality, transport, handicrafts, food services and other local industries while encouraging greater private-sector participation in tourism-related businesses.

Preserving Punjab's identity

She said the provincial government also intended to use tourism as a means of presenting Pakistan’s cultural richness and natural beauty to international audiences, arguing that greater global visibility of Punjab’s heritage could contribute to a more positive understanding of the province and the country as a whole.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to tourism development, Maryam Nawaz said the promotion and preservation of Punjab’s historical, cultural and natural heritage would remain an important policy priority, with continued efforts focused on improving tourist facilities, developing new destinations and creating an environment in which tourism could contribute meaningfully to economic growth, employment and the preservation of Punjab’s distinctive cultural identity.