By Our Correspondent
LAHORE, October 5, 2025: The Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Department Punjab has announced an ambitious plan to unveil a new era of world-class museums and restored heritage sites, redefining tourism in the province. Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz and Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Punjab is ready to present its centuries-old cultural legacy with a modern, global face.
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Secretary Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Punjab Dr. Ehsan Bhutta said that Punjab, the land of vibrant culture, saints, Sufis, and ancient civilizations, is now set to become a premier destination for both domestic and international tourists. “Punjab’s heritage will no longer remain hidden — it will shine as a source of pride for our people and an attraction for visitors from around the world,” he remarked.
Presiding over a review meeting with senior officials including Director General Archaeology Zaheer Abbas Malik, Additional Secretary Sadaf Zafar, and others, Dr. Bhutta revealed that several key restoration and development projects are underway.
Major Heritage and Museum Initiatives:
- Summit Minar (Lahore): The long-neglected symbol of the 1974 OIC Summit is being restored after decades.
- Ranjeet Singh Museum (Gujranwala): Dedicated to the legendary ruler Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, the museum will celebrate Punjab’s rich Sikh heritage.
- Cultural Museum (Multan): A new museum showcasing the city’s mystical, cultural, and artistic heritage is in progress.
- Modern Museum (Sialkot): Highlighting the city’s global identity in sports, leather, surgical goods, literature, and history, this museum will be a unique blend of technology and tradition.
Dr. Ehsan Bhutta lauded the efforts of Deputy Commissioner Sialkot Ms. Saba Ali for providing a building for the upcoming museum and assured complete collaboration among the Directorate of Archaeology, Punjab Small Industries Corporation, and PILAC to transform it into a world-class tourist attraction.
He noted that Punjab’s achievements in the Harappa galleries have already gained international acclaim, and the Taxila Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will be expanded and modernized along similar lines.
Museums Blending History with Technology
Dr. Bhutta emphasized that all new museums will incorporate state-of-the-art technology, including IT-based systems, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) experiences, and modern illumination techniques to enhance visitor engagement.
“These museums will not only preserve our cultural treasures but also turn heritage into an interactive and educational experience for the youth and tourists,” he said.
He added that this initiative will make Punjab a global model for heritage preservation and smart tourism, showcasing how tradition and technology can work hand in hand.
“The world will see Punjab as a place where the echoes of history are preserved with modern brilliance — a land where every traveler finds inspiration, discovery, and pride,” Dr. Bhutta concluded.
