The Punjab government has launched a major restoration project to revive seven historic forts in the Cholistan desert.
An initial budget allocation of Rs. 1.89 billion out of a total Rs. 2.90 billion is earmarked for the initiative.
The announcement was made by South Punjab Additional Chief Secretary Fuad Hashim Rabbani on Wednesday.
The forts slated for restoration are Derawar, Jamgarh, Meergarh, Maujgarh, Deengarh, Phulra, and Marot.
Restoration work will begin at Derawar Fort following the release of funds. The project aims to preserve these centuries-old structures, which have suffered significant decay due to neglect and harsh desert conditions.
Rabbani also revealed that 20 additional forts in the region are expected to be included in future phases of the restoration program.
The broader goal is to protect the region’s cultural heritage and boost tourism in South Punjab.
In addition to the fort restoration, the Punjab government has allocated Rs4 billion for seven new tourism development projects in South Punjab.
These include the preservation of the natural ecosystem at Bahawalpur’s Lal Sohanra National Park, with Rs2 billion set aside for this purpose.
Other projects involve the development of recreational parks at Fort Munro (Rs400 million) and along the Indus River in Dera Ghazi Khan (Rs. 800 million).
Officials hope these initiatives will unlock South Punjab’s tourism potential and create new employment opportunities in the region.
