Advisor and National Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, has said that international linkages, business activities and cultural exchanges are being expanded to promote tourism in Pakistan and to highlight the country’s positive image at the global level.
He expressed these views while addressing the Pakistan Tourism Sports and Family Festival at F-9 Park, Islamabad, on Saturday.
He said the participation of relevant institutions and the international community is essential in tourism activities. Besides various diplomatic missions, a business delegation from Sri Lanka and representatives of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce also participated in the recent event, while the international community, including Nepal and other countries, was also provided around 20 stalls at the event.
Khan said that along with cultural exchanges, work is also being done to promote bilateral trade and tourism with different countries. The Government of Pakistan is taking steps to improve the airports of Lahore and Karachi, while a new fast service under the name “Welcome” has also been introduced in Islamabad.
He thanked the media, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Islamabad Administration, Capital Development Authority (CDA) and other relevant institutions for their support in organizing the event, saying the event was made possible with the support of various government institutions.
He said this activity is a beginning for the promotion of tourism in Pakistan and in future, similar events will be held in all provinces of the country. All provinces participated in this event and highlighted their regional cultural heritage.
He said they want to introduce Pakistan’s positive image at the global level through electronic and social media so that international tourists, overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals can become aware of the tourism opportunities available in Pakistan and the international-standard activities.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said on Saturday that traditional sports like tent pegging reflect Pakistan’s cultural identity and soft image, attracting attention of global influencers. Addressing the tent pegging competitions held at F-9 Park under the Pakistan Tourism, Sports and Family Festival, he said extensive activities are underway to promote sports, culture and tourism in the country.
