Munaza Kazmi
Brilliant! World leading magazine spotted Pakistan as, “Spectacular place for tourism”, along with the highlighting of scenic and mesmerizing valleys and gigantic mountains. Pakistan seems as Asia’s most fascinating destination. Moreover, another quoted “Pakistan has more peaks taller than 22,965ft than China and Nepal combined, making it an almost magnetic spot for adventure travelers and intrepid hikers.”
Looking into Pakistan, a home to diverse culture and religions, one would find all. Let’s say ancient Hindu temples of Katas Raj Chakwal, the famous Nankana Sahib of Khartarpur, Buddhist monasteries Taxila, majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral Rawalpindi and a blend of all in Saidpur Village Islamabad.
Moreover, nature itself offers all its temptations to the visitor of Pakistan, from the calmness of sea shore of Karachi to the buzzling Mughal bazars of Lahore, from serene Margalla hills of Islamabad to gigantic, dazzling mountains of Gilgit, from the chilly winds of Karakoram and Himalaya to the heat of Cholistan……indeed marvelous beauty and diversity.
Hence, there is vast potential for the promotion of tourism. However, those travel to Pakistan discover a beautiful land full of contradictions, where simmering fear coexist with remarkable friendliness and hospitality, set against an Arabian Nights backdrop of majestic desert forts, exotic tales of Sultans and Djinns.
I suggest, here we have to take responsibility, in the way to become a little more hospitable, and tolerant. Our generation must possess religious and ethical tolerance, if the country itself is home of several cultures, then why the nationals may remain hostile to the idea. Our visions should be broad, our minds may work for the idea of promoting country’s good will, there should be an environment of security and peace in every direction, with intention that even a solo female may travel in ease to Pakistan. So that there may come no hindrance in the way of promoting tourism.
As, speaking at the inauguration of Hassan Abdal Railway Station on 6th November, 2020, Prime Minister Imran Khan quoted, “Pakistan is an approaching tourist attraction”, further he stressed on the idea,
“If we improve tourism, there would be no need for taking debt from IMF or any other country”.