Prime Minister Imran Khan says preservation of heritage and tourism sites is necessary to apprise the future generation about rich cultural and historical assets of Pakistan.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of heritage trail at Nandana Fort in district Jehlum on Sunday, he said, this step will promote the tourism and generate job opportunities for the youth.

He said unfortunately, the archaeological sites in the country have not been preserved and develop. He said recent discovery of a 40-feet long statue of sleeping Buddha from Haripur shows rich cultural heritage of Pakistan.

Imran Khan said we have to protect these sites for our coming generations as well as to attract tourists across the globe for the provision of  employment and earning revenue. He said salt range of Pakistan is still unexplored.

The Prime Minister also announced to develop Baghaan Wala as modern village of the area to protect heritage sites and provide better facilities to the tourists.

There are six other important historical and national heritage sites in the vicinity of Nandana Fort, including Nandana Temple, Katas Temple, Khewra Salt Mines, Malut Fort, Malut Temple and Takht Babri. These sites will be part of the Heritage Trail and tourists will be able to visit these locations together.

The Prime Minister is keen to preserve and conserve heritage sites and to convert them into international tourism attractions.

Under the Prime Minister's vision, places are being identified across the country to highlight Pakistan's history and national heritage. The promotion of tourism will also bring economic benefits to the local population.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also inaugurated Tilla Jogian National Park and Salt Range National Park.

These two new national parks are part of the six protected areas, which include Khairi Murat National Park, Chhanji National Park, Namal Wetland and Chashma Wetland Nature Reserve.

The Prime Minister also planted an olive tree on the occasion.

He was also briefed on the measures related to wildlife conservation and environmental protection in the Salt Range.

Imran Khan also interacted with the local people and listen to their problems.

Responding to the demands of the local people, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar assured that all the problems being faced by the people of Jhelum will be solved on priority basis.

Minister for Science and Technology  Chaudhary Fawad Hussain  and Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Zulfiqar Hussain Bukhari were also present on the occasion.