Islamabad— A potential cornerstone of eco-tourism in Pakistan took a significant step forward yesterday as Zimbabwean Ambassador H.E. Titus M.J Abu Basutu met with Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The discussion was a collaborative effort to establish a world-class Safari Park in Islamabad.
The meeting, held at the CDA Headquarters, provided a platform to explore areas of mutual interest between the two nations. Ambassador Basutu commended Chairman Randhawa’s initiatives to enhance Islamabad’s urban landscape, particularly the city’s solid waste management program. In response, Chairman Randhawa outlined plans to engage leading international firms to address the city’s waste challenges effectively.
As the key focus of the meeting was the forthcoming Safari Park, Chairman Randhawa underscored the project’s potential to transform Islamabad into a premier tourist destination. With a planned capacity to house over 5,000 animals, the park is expected to be a major draw for both domestic and international visitors. The first phase alone will see the introduction of more than 2,000 animals.
Recognizing Zimbabwe’s rich biodiversity, Chairman Randhawa extended an invitation for the Zimbabwean embassy to play a pivotal role in acquiring animals, particularly the iconic Big Five, for the Safari Park. Ambassador Basutu expressed keen interest in the proposal.
In a related development, the Ambassador indicated the embassy’s desire to relocate from its current location to the Diplomatic Enclave. He assured Chairman Randhawa that the matter would be addressed promptly through diplomatic channels.
This strategic partnership between Zimbabwe and Pakistan marks a promising beginning for a project that could redefine Islamabad’s identity on the global tourism map.
