Rs210 million project launched to make Hassanabdal ‘international tourist city’
TAXILA: The Punjab government has initiated a multi-million beautification and facelift project to revamp the historical city of Hassanabdal, promote the soft image of the country and provide better tourist facilities to Sikh pilgrims who visit the city twice a year from across the world.
Renowned as the second holiest city for Sikhs after Amritsar, Hassanabdal holds immense religious significance due to the presence of the revered Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib. Each year, thousands of Sikh pilgrims from across the globe travel to the city twice to perform their religious rituals, with the largest influx expected during the upcoming Baisakhi festival scheduled to be celebrated in April and the birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion.
Briefing newsmen about this multi-million project on Tuesday, Assistant Commissioner Ahsan Ali revealed that, in a bid to enhance civic infrastructure and promote religious tourism, a comprehensive beautification and facelift project worth Rs210 million has been launched in the historic city of Hassanabdal.
He claimed that the initiative aims to transform the city into a vibrant and welcoming destination for both local residents and international visitors, particularly Sikh pilgrims who visit the city annually.
Mr Ali stated that the ongoing project is part of a broader effort to give the city a festive and aesthetically appealing look ahead of the international pilgrimage season. He added that the development work encompasses multiple infrastructure upgrades and urban revitalisation measures designed to improve both functionality and visual appeal.
“A key component of the project includes the shifting of utility services such as those of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited and Islamabad Electric Supply Company to underground systems. This step is expected to not only enhance safety and reliability but also significantly reduce visual clutter across the city,” he added.
He said that, in addition, grand entrance gates are being constructed at key points leading into the city, including a dedicated gate for the Municipal Committee Hassanabdal, to create a welcoming first impression for visitors.
Road infrastructure is also being upgraded through the installation of modern tuff tiles, ensuring smoother and more durable surfaces for vehicular and pedestrian movement.
The official said that the project further includes building elevation uplifting, aimed at standardising and beautifying the façades of commercial and residential structures. Authorities believe this will contribute to a more organised and visually cohesive urban landscape.
“To accommodate the growing number of visitors, particularly during peak pilgrimage periods, a dedicated entrance parking facility is also being developed. This is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve overall accessibility to key religious and tourist sites,” he added.
He revealed that a major highlight of the initiative is the revitalisation of the public square located in front of Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib. The area is being redesigned to serve as a central gathering space, complete with landscaping and modern amenities. Alongside this, a food park is being established within the public square to provide visitors with a variety of culinary options in a clean and organised environment. He said that, further enhancing the city’s recreational offerings, a full-fledged food street is being developed at Lalarukh Park.
The park itself, along with its surrounding natural ponds and springs, is undergoing restoration and revitalisation to preserve its ecological value while making it more accessible and attractive to tourists.
He expressed optimism that the project will significantly boost tourism, create economic opportunities, and uplift the overall image of Hassanabdal on the international stage.
By combining heritage preservation with modern urban planning, the initiative seeks to position the city as a model destination for religious and cultural tourism. With the Baisakhi festival fast approaching, officials are working round the clock to complete major portions of the project.