ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Tourism, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Tuesday said that Pakistan, blessed with natural beauty, historic monuments, rare cultural heritage, ancient festivals, and diverse religious sites, is a paradise for tourists and has the potential to earn $30–40 billion annually through tourism if developed on modern lines. Sardar Yasir said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to grant tourism the status of an industry is a historic and far-reaching step that will strengthen the economy and enhance Pakistan’s global image. “Tourism has been neglected for a long time, especially after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, when provinces made individual efforts. Now a comprehensive strategy has been prepared to revive and promote the sector,” he added.
