ISLAMABAD, Sep 16(APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan today chaired a meeting to review progress on New Balakot City Project. PM was apprised about new Balakot City project and the way forward towards addressing legal, administrative and financial issues which stalled steady progress on the project.
Strategy to transform new city into a tourism hub and modern business residence city hosting local gemstones mining industry was also discussed.
The Prime Minister while appreciating the efforts being made to revive the stalled project said that location of the new city carries huge potential for attracting local as well as international tourism and thus would contribute significantly towards national GDP.
Underscoring the need for tapping huge potential of the country in tourism sector, the Prime Minister said that development of tourism hubs at various tourist sites would not only highlight country’s tourism potential but would also lead to creation of greater job opportunities for the people.
The Prime Minister directed that public private partnership model should be followed during the development of the new city. He further directed that the issues regarding settlement of claims should be taken up on priority to ensure seamless implementation of the project.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Planning Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Minister for Revnue Hammad Azhar, Chairman NDMA Lt. Gen. Muhammad Afzal, Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Saleem and other senior officials.
VNS Islamabad
