Karakoram Highway is world’s best highway: PTDC chief

Islamabad: Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Managing Director (MD) Aftabur Rehman Rana has said that Karakoram Highway was the world’s best highway where one can see the highest peaks from within a car’s window.

Speaking to a seven-member delegation of British Pakistani Forum who visited Headquarter of the PTDC here to discuss the foreign investment opportunities and potential in the field of tourism and hospitality sector in Pakistan, Rana mentioned that the ancient silk route connected Pakistan and China to Central Asia.

“We are working to promote this Old Silk Route. We have 9000 years history on humankind including Meher Garh, Mohenjodaro and Gandhars which has centuries’ old archaeological sites to promote heritage tourism,” he added.

The PTC Managing Director briefed the delegation about the initiatives taken by the government to promote tourism as well as about the ongoing and upcoming projects of PTDC and Provincial Tourism Departments for promotion and development of tourism in the country.

Highlighting the potential of tourism, in his multimedia presentation, MD PTDC said Pakistan has amazing landscape, natural beauty, history, rich cultural and heritage.

“Three mountains ranges, glaciers, lakes, valleys of norther and unique wild flora and fauna can attract tourism from both local and foreign markets,” he maintained.

Rana recalled that the British Backpacker Society had ranked Pakistan as the World’s Top Adventure travel destination and described the country as “one of the friendliest countries on earth, with mountain scenery that is beyond anyone’s wildest imagination”. Under the Ease of visa Policy, as many as 191 countries can apply for E-Visa, he added.

Rana informed that the Sikh community of UK and other countries can visit their Gurdawaras as Visa facilitation was also improved for Sikh Yatrees (pilgrims) living in the West. Sufi heritage, religious and spiritual heritage fascinates the west that needs to be promoted in western markets, he opined.

Ejaz Siddiqui, Chairman of British Pakistan Forum and head of delegation said that Pakistan had much to show to the world which needed to be highlighted.

“Our visit to Pakistan aims at encouraging the foreigners and overseas Pakistanis to visit Pakistan for tourism purposes and see the beauty of Pakistan from coastal line to Northern Areas that have heavenly glimpses to offer to them, our focus is to promote Tourism and increase direct Foreign Investment in Pakistan,” he noted.