KARACHI: “Turkey is the preferred destination for Pakistani tourists. Pakistan and Turkey are two friendly countries bonded by very strong religious & cultural affinities and brotherhood. Both sides enjoy cordial bilateral relations in the realm of foreign policy, International relations, defence cooperation, bilateral trade and commerce. Tourism is an area where a lot is yet to be done amid great existing potential.” This was stated by Muhammad Naeem Sharif, Chairman, Travel Agents Association of Pakistan on the occasion of visit of Turkish Consul General, His Excellency Murat Mustafa Onart to TAAP Office . Mr. Naeem said that collective efforts of TAAP and TURSAB – Association of Turkish Travel Agencies supported by the two governments are vital to open more windows of opportunities to promote reciprocal tourism between two countries.
Naeem Sharif articulated that TAAP sees Turkey as Gateway to Europe and Pakistan as Gateway to Central Asia, China and South Asia. Therefore, a lot of collaboration can be done in tourism as well as trade. To enhance tourism between Pakistan and Turkey, joints efforts are crucial. Although the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad and Consulate General in Karachi have enhanced their capacity to issue visas, however, we at TAAP, understand in view of current situation and circumstances more steps are essential to be considered and taken.
His Excellency Murat Mustafa Onart, Consul General of Turkey addressing the Chairman, Executive Committee and Senior Members of TAAP recognized the role of TAAP as national association to promote travel and tourism of Pakistan with Turkey. He voiced that relationship between Pakistan and Turkey are historic and date-back to the Khilafat Movement. The people of Pakistan and Turkey have great respect for each other with relations based on friendship, harmony and goodwill. He stated that Turkey is a very attractive destination for tourist in Europe. Turkish Airlines is connecting Pakistan with Turkey and beyond worldwide. He stated that the Turkish foreign mission in Pakistan has taken steps and measures to enhance visa issuance capacity. In this connection, as a pilot project, a drop box has been appointed for processing visa applications and submitting to the Embassy and Consulate. The Turkish mission in Pakistan is further considering expanding the visa processing system. He informed that opening of Turkish Consulate in Lahore is also planned which will add to the capacity of visa issuance. He attached importance on TAAP and TURSAB cooperation and collaboration to bring closer the Turkish and Pakistani travel agencies to explore more business opportunities and assured best possible considerations and support.
At this juncture Fatih Atacan Temel, General Manager Turkish Airlines, Anwar Rasheed, Vice Chairman TAAP, former Chairman Hanif Rinch, Noor Mohammad, Tafseer-ul-Islam, Jawed Akhter, Haji Moorad Members Executive Committee, Furqan Abdul Qadir, Naveed Siddiqui, Salim Iqbal Qureshi, Khubchand Ochani, Kalamuddin, Khawaja Jahanzeb Senior Members TAAP also participated in the meeting and exchanged views.
Muhammad Naeem Sharif, Chairman TAAP presenting TAAP’s memento to H.E. Murat Mustafa Onart, Consul General of Turkey to Pakistan. Fatih Temel, General Manager Turkish Airlines, Anwar Rasheed Vice Chairman TAAP, Hanif Rinch, Former Chairman, Tafseer-ul-Islam, Noor Mohammad, Members Executive Committee, Naveed Siddiqui, Khubchand Ochani, Khawaja Jahanzeb, Senior Members of TAAP are also seen in the picture.
Anwar Rasheed, Vice Chairman TAAP presenting TAAP’s memento to Fatih Atacan Temel, General Manager Turkish Airlines, H.E. Murat Mustafa Onart, Consul General of Turkey to Pakistan, Muhammad Naeem Sharif, Chairman TAAP, Noor Mohammad, Jawed Akhter, Members Executive Committee, Muhammad Kalamuddin, Khubchand Ochani, Khawaja Jahanzeb, Senior Members of TAAP are also seen in the picture.
