CM orders implementation of ban on news constructions in Murree

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Friday issued directions for enforcement of the ban on new constructions in Murree, with a warning that strict action would be taken against violators of the policy.

He also issued instructions for early completion of the projects aimed at facilitating tourists in Murree.

He was addressing a meeting regarding development projects in Murree, here on Friday. Provincial Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, the chief secretary, the Planning & Development chairman, the Higher Education secretary, the Finance secretary, the Rawalpindi commissioner and officers concerned were also present.

The chief minister said that previous local governments had destroyed an important tourist center of the province by allowing illegal constructions in Murree. However, he said, the incumbent government had imposed a ban on new constructions for maintaining natural beauty of Murree.

He directed divisional and districts administrations and heads of the departments concerned to ensure implementation of the policy at any cost. He said that, in order to transform Murree into a tourist attraction of the highest standard, development projects would have to be completed expeditiously and all departments should perform their responsibilities efficiently and dedicatedly for the purpose.

He issued instructions for improvement of Patriata chairlift, resource center and early completion of other development projects. He said that an effective system should be evolved for monitoring the pace of implementation of the projects.

The Rawalpindi commissioner, the Tourism Development Corporation managing director and officers of the departments concerned gave a detailed briefing on the development projects.