LAHORE: A multi-billion-rupee development package – described as the largest in Murree’s history – was Wednesday approved in a meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Pakistan Muslim League (N) President Nawaz Sharif.
The meeting, held at the Government House Murree, reviewed the Murree Development Plan. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb briefed the participants on ongoing and proposed projects. It was decided to develop Kotli Sattian as Punjab’s newest and most modern tourism hub. The chief minister approved 14 tourism schemes for the area, along with a new chairlift project. An eco-friendly village and resort were planned, and Punjab’s first modern paragliding centre will be set up at Kotli Sattian. A sky glass bridge for tourists was also included in the plan. The meeting agreed to extend the Murree Glass Train project from the Islamabad Airport to Muzaffarabad. Bidding for the monorail component will open in March. The train will operate on a 40-kilometre route from the Lake View Park to the Murree Bus Stand.
The participants decided to establish a separate department for the preservation of Murree’s historical and cultural buildings and restore heritage structures according to their original design. Under a public-private partnership, a Murree hotel complex was planned for a designated location. Illegal three-storey buildings affecting the natural landscape, including those on Mall Road, Hall Road and Imtiaz Shaheed Road, will be removed. The space will be converted into parks and green areas. Road expansion will be carried out in Upper Jhika Gali after the removal of such structures. The first phase of a rainwater harvesting project in Murree has been completed successfully, benefiting residents through improved water supply. In the second phase, 3,000 homes will benefit.
The chief minister directed authorities to initiate similar measures in Rawalpindi. She was told that upgradation work on the Patriata chairlift was continuing while a 50-bed hospital would be established in Bhurban. Restoration of 23 buildings and 76 shops on Mall Road is complete. Construction and rehabilitation of 70 roads in Murree and adjoining areas has been completed, while 120 roads are under development in the second phase. A principled decision was taken to upgrade Rawalpindi, Murree and Kashmir Road into a state-of-the-art highway.
The chief minister commended Deputy Commissioner Zaher Shirazi and his team for their performance during recent snowfall. She was told that modern machinery, including mechanical snow sweepers and heavy bulldozers, was used to clear roads promptly, ensuring minimal disruption for residents and tourists. Officials stated that improved drainage arrangements after the establishment of Wasa in Murree brought relief to citizens, while a dedicated tourist force remained active to facilitate visitors.
Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah on the arrival of the holy month of Ramazan, expressing best wishes and prayers for peace, stability and prosperity. In her message on the commencement of Ramazan, she urged the nation to offer special prayers for the safety, progress and wellbeing of the country during Sehr, Iftar and Taraweeh. She urged well-off individuals to look after deserving people in their surroundings.
