By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE – In a meeting of the Punjab Assembly Standing Committee on Tourism, officials informed lawmakers that approximately 1.2 million foreign tourists visit Pakistan annually, contributing around one billion US dollars to the national economy. Meanwhile, domestic tourists spend an estimated Rs. 2,900 billion.
The meeting, chaired by Malik Lal Muhammad, was attended by Additional Secretary Departmental Committees-II Aamir Liaquat Chatta, Secretary Tourism Punjab, and other senior officials of the Tourism Department.
During the detailed briefing, the department highlighted the economic significance of tourism, stating that the sector contributes 5.9% to Pakistan’s GDP and supports over 41 million employment opportunities nationwide.
The committee, noting the lack of facilities in key tourist regions, proposed a visit to Cholistan and Qila Drawar. The department agreed to organize visits to assess on-ground issues and develop plans for improvement.
