LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to transform 170 historical sites in the province into world-class tourist centers.

`Mapping of these sites, including 101 gurdwaras and 53 churches, has already been completed, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said in a meeting here on Friday.

`Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered the formation of Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority and a summary for the purpose has been sent to the cabinet for approval. All institutions related to history, heritage and tourism will be placed under the authority,` she said.

She said the CM directed the relevant authorities toimplement `Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority Act 2024`to ensure the success of the project.

`Punjab`s first comprehensive tourism policy has also been prepared. There is a plan to restore Punjab`s historical sites in three phases, and the CM has directed the relevant authorities to start the tendering process in July. The first phase will be completed in June, whereas the restoration of other historical sites will be completed in the second and third phases.

Ms Aurangzeb said that Rs400 million had been released for the `Dilkush Lahore` project, under which the history of The Mall wouldbe preserved.

For the first time, Punjab has been divided into nine zones based on historical and tourist places, she added.