Sheikhupura to emerge as a new tourism hub — Dr. Ehsan Bhutta
By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Secretary Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Punjab, Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, has said that comprehensive and well-coordinated measures are being taken to transform Sheikhupura into a vibrant new tourism hub under the dynamic vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz and Senior Minister Punjab Maryam Aurangzeb.
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Chairing a high-level meeting to his office to review ongoing and new initiatives in Sheikhupura, Dr. Ehsan Bhutta emphasized that the Punjab Govt. is fully committed to promoting heritage-based and sustainable tourism. The meeting was attended by Managing Director TDCP Asim Raza, Additional Secretary Sadaf Zafar, General Manager Operations Farhat Qureshi, Deputy Secretary Planning Mudassar Arif Khokhar, Deputy Director Archaeology, Imran Zahid, Manager Site seeing bus Ashfaq Ahmed Dogar٫ Assistant Director Archaeology Sheikhupura Abdur Rafiq Khokhar and other officers from the Punjab Archaeology Department, Wildlife Department, District Administration, and Sheikhupura Arts Council.
Dr. Ehsan Bhutta informed the participants that, in collaboration with the Wildlife Department, a mini zoo is being established at Hiran Minar, where around 30 deer and mouflon are being brought from Changa Manga to enrich the natural environment and enhance the site’s attraction for families and nature lovers.
He stated that 15 bicycles have been introduced for a 3-kilometer jungle trail, while electric, eco-friendly golf carts will also facilitate visitors, reflecting the government’s focus on green and accessible tourism. He added that new boats and a jetty have arrived for the much-anticipated floating restaurant on the Hiran Minar Lake, which will provide a unique night time dining and leisure experience for tourists.
Highlighting the efforts to link cultural and heritage tourism, Dr. Bhutta said that the sightseeing double-decker route has been finalized, covering Darbar Waris Shah and Hiran Minar in the first phase. In the second phase, the trail will be expanded to include Jandiala Sher Khan Boali and Sheikhupura Fort, creating a comprehensive Heritage Tourism Circuit for visitors.
He further shared that, with the support of the Sheikhpura Arts Council (Information and Culture Department), cultural activities such as “Heer” performances at Darbar Waris Shah and folk music evenings by local artists at Hiran Minar are being arranged to showcase Punjab’s living cultural traditions and provide tourists with an authentic cultural experience.
Dr. Ehsan Bhutta also announced the introduction of BBQ facilities on a payment basis at the site to enhance the recreational offerings for families and visitors.
The Secretary emphasized that these projects will not only boost tourism and cultural exchange but also generate local employment opportunities, uplift communities and contribute to Punjab’s socio-economic development.
He directed all relevant departments to ensure seamless coordination and timely completion of the projects, stating that Sheikhupura will soon stand as a model of sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and public recreation under the forward-looking leadership of the Punjab government.
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