RAWALPINDI: The Managing Director Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Ch. Abdul Ghafoor Khan informed Nepalese Ambassador H.E. Sewa Lamsal Adhikari that Pakistan is a land of opportunities where 14 high mountains among 5 in Pakistan and largest glaciers 73 kilometers out polar region besides lakes, valleys, deserts and other tourist attractions. Nepal also has 8 over 8000 meters peaks. There are too many common tourist attractions Pakistan and Nepal share, which include mountains, culture and local cuisine. Now it is the time to project good image of the region including both Pakistan and Nepal as peaceful countries.
Buddhist remains in Pakistan are sacred for Nepali nationals but due to lack of knowledge and publicity, tourist flow from Nepal to Pakistan is very low. We are making efforts to ease the visa formalities as well as introduction of visa on arrivals facilities to group tourists through designated tour operators including Nepal. Government of Pakistan is ready to provide maximum security and cooperation in this regards.
MD said that we are working on promotion of tourism, sports and entertainment. Nepal and Pakistan will promote health tourism especially. Islamabad City Tour Bus Service will be launched soon with inaugural ceremony at Pak-China Centre in Islamabad. New Motels and prefabricated rooms will be added in the existing chain of accommodation facilities of PTDC. Both the countries should exchange lists of tour operators dealing in mountaineering and trekking to jointly promote this common attraction. He invited the ambassador to visit PTDC Head Office and the Farm House in addition to Northern Areas.
Ambassador said that there are no two views that Pakistan is a beautiful country and she already visited Swat Valley and soon she will be visiting Gilgit-Baltistan. We wish to work together and portray a soft tourist friendly peaceful image of the region to the world by using the SAARC Forum. She hoped that both the government will cooperate in this regard. She told that a delegation from Nepal is expected to visit Pakistan from 5th July this year. Pakistani tourism stakeholder will be invited for a meeting with the delegation. Managing Director PTDC assured every possible assistance for delegation and also said that her visit to Gilgit-Baltistan will be arranged by PTDC. The Ambassador appreciated the efforts of Managing Director PTDC for promotion and development of tourism in Pakistan.
