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[VIDEOS] How is the tourism industry like in Pakistan currently?

Hitman

Hitman

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I give you my word, I'm not at all creating a troll thread. I'm making this thread because I want to know the true facts from people who know them. Not the ones fed to the world by the media.

Things were really horrendous in Pakistan till about 4 years back. But things have really, really changed for the better since then. And I'm honestly glad that they have changed for the better.

One of the biggest attractions for tourists visiting India are those historical places and monuments. I have been an avid fan of visiting historical monuments ever since the age of around 15. They fascinate me like nothing else does.

Likewise, Pakistan too has lots and lots of historical places and monuments. I have lost count of how many such monuments and places exist in Pakistan. It surely is a huge, huge attraction for people like me.

The only reason that might have held back tourists from visiting Pakistan from the 2000 was because of the condition the country was in.

But things have changed dramatically for the better in the last 4 years or so.

So how is the tourism industry currently in Pakistan? Has it revived back to how it was in the 70's and 80's?
 
I dont know how it was back in the 70's/80's but it surely has revived & many families in urban areas now opt for vacations in gilgit baltistan & northern areas.

There are many tour agencies in lahore, karachi & especially islamabad for this purpose & their business has been booming.
 
Whats the sitiation along the coast Any beach resorts? Or hotels along there
 
TQ89 said:
I dont know how it was back in the 70's/80's but it surely has revived & many families in urban areas now opt for vacations in gilgit baltistan & northern areas.

There are many tour agencies in lahore, karachi & especially islamabad for this purpose & their business has been booming.
Click to expand...

Actually I was asking about foreign tourists visiting Pakistan.
 
Apart from a group of Americans on a Helicopter ‘Night Hike’ in Abbottabad and 'Indian backpacker RAW squads' going astray and suddenly getting lost in the Baloch province, the foreign tourist trade in Pakistan is pretty grim my friend.
 
Having talking to some people from the region, tourism industry is making a massive comeback in the North.

Not enough hotels there and there is now a concern on the impact to the environment with the big influx of tourists.
 
Hitman said:
I give you my word, I'm not at all creating a troll thread. I'm making this thread because I want to know the true facts from people who know them. Not the ones fed to the world by the media.

Things were really horrendous in Pakistan till about 4 years back. But things have really, really changed for the better since then. And I'm honestly glad that they have changed for the better.

One of the biggest attractions for tourists visiting India are those historical places and monuments. I have been an avid fan of visiting historical monuments ever since the age of around 15. They fascinate me like nothing else does.

Likewise, Pakistan too has lots and lots of historical places and monuments. I have lost count of how many such monuments and places exist in Pakistan. It surely is a huge, huge attraction for people like me.

The only reason that might have held back tourists from visiting Pakistan from the 2000 was because of the condition the country was in.

But things have changed dramatically for the better in the last 4 years or so.

So how is the tourism industry currently in Pakistan? Has it revived back to how it was in the 70's and 80's?
Click to expand...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDTINI9skkeZNY2ZXnBqIkQ

visit above link to know a foreigner's prespective
 
Braveheart said:
Apart from a group of Americans on a Helicopter ‘Night Hike’ in Abbottabad and 'Indian backpacker RAW squads' going astray and suddenly getting lost in the Baloch province, the foreign tourist trade in Pakistan is pretty grim my friend.
Click to expand...

It has mostly to do with the way Pakistan is portrayed by the world media. What was the situation back in the country till the 90's? I mean the situation with regards to foreign tourists visiting the country? Any idea?
 
Hitman said:
Actually I was asking about foreign tourists visiting Pakistan.
Click to expand...

I don't know the exact numbers but the availability of tourist agencies who can customize plans to tailor your specific needs have made it way much easier for foreigners to travel pakistan without fear of security & what not.

Lot of foreign bloggers/vloggers have bought attention to this in past two years. The most recent example i remember is a polish travel blogger called eva zu beck documenting in detail her travels to northern areas & gilgit side in august 2018.
 
I have met many white people in Pak so assume it's doing alright, not brilliantly. Can it be that they are there to meet Nawaz or Zardari?:narine
 
It will take time for governments' travel notices to reflect the current ground realities. Until that happens, tourism is likely to be not very high. It is similar in cricket, where teams like Australia and NZ still think we're living in 2013 but things are very different now than they were back then.
 
TQ89 said:
I don't know the exact numbers but the availability of tourist agencies who can customize plans to tailor your specific needs have made it way much easier for foreigners to travel pakistan without fear of security & what not.

Lot of foreign bloggers/vloggers have bought attention to this in past two years. The most recent example i remember is a polish travel blogger called eva zu beck documenting in detail her travels to northern areas & gilgit side in august 2018.
Click to expand...

She is my acquittance since 3-4 years.
 
Hoping to see cricket match in Pakistan. I wish I had done that when I had a chance, but schedule didn't permit it few times when I wanted to watch games in Pakistan. I have been to all other nations to watch cricket except Pakistan. Not been to UAE to see, but that's not the same as watching in host countries.
 
This Popular Solo Female Travel Vlogger Thinks Pakistan Could Be The World’s No. 1 Tourism Destination

Pakistan. It’s not exactly on every solo female traveler’s bucket list. But that doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be. Especially if you ask vlogger and content creator Eva zu Beck, who thinks Pakistan could be the world’s #1 tourism destination.

And she doesn’t say this lightly. Having visited 60 countries and with more than 381,000 followers on Instagram, 421,000 followers on Facebook, and 324,000 YouTube channel subscribers as a result of the incredible travel content she creates – from videos exploring forgotten islands in Yemen to exploring Aleppo, Syria alone – she knows a thing or two about the world’s most under-the-radar destinations.

But it wasn’t just her fearlessness that caught my eye, it was her content on Pakistan that really pulled me in. Because she didn’t just visit for a week or two, she lived there for an extended period of time (10 months to be exact), taking her time to really dig into what Pakistani culture, and it’s people, are truly like, creating videos and telling stories on her experiences there that are unlike anything else I’ve seen out there.

She head straight into “Taliban Territory” to live with a local family. She trekked to the base camp of the world’s second tallest mountain. She traveled to the world’s highest paved international border crossing. She met with female carpenters to hear their stories. She took on Karachi alone. And she’s appeared on Pakistani TV.

And while she developed her content independently of the government and tourism board, they took notice. Even inviting her to meet Prime Minister Imran Khan at a tourism conference, presenting to him her impressions of Pakistan as a travel destination from a foreign visitor’s perspective (and where she originally shared her thoughts on Pakistan having the potential to be the #1 tourism destination in the world).

So, being curious about what lead Eva to Pakistan originally and for more insight into what it’s really like to travel through the country alone as a solo female traveler, I asked her about these experiences and more. Here’s what she had to say.

Breanna Wilson (BW): What initially attracted you to explore and travel to Pakistan alone? It isn’t your typical travel destination.

Eva zu Beck (EZB): I’ve never been one for “easy” travel. The trips that brought me the most satisfaction were always the ones that were difficult to organize or involved traveling to places you wouldn’t find on a typical bucket list.

So, when I started traveling full-time, I knew that Bali or Thailand would not be part of my itinerary – I wanted to make videos about places that people around me knew very little about.

The opportunity to visit Pakistan came very early on, as soon as I started my travel adventure. A friend whom I hadn’t seen in 14 years got in touch with me, saying she’d been living in Islamabad for a few years, and that I must come visit her. What started as a bit of a personal gamble and a joke between two old friends, eventually began to develop into a more tangible idea, as my Pakistan Google searches revealed a land of tall peaks, lush valleys, and rich heritage. And when I eventually got my visa, the deal was done. I knew this was the beginning of an incredible adventure.

I could have never predicted, however, that I would spend over 10 months traveling across Pakistan full-time, making films and vlogs about the country, working with local creatives and helping people consider it as a very real travel destination.

Nobody had ever asked me to start promoting Pakistan as a travel destination; nor was this part of my plan at all. But while traveling and creating content about everything I saw, I guess this is what ended up happening – unknowingly, unwittingly, unexpectedly, but in a pretty wonderful and life-changing turn of events.

BW: Were you nervous before you went?

EZB: Yes, absolutely. With all my friends and all the media outlets I knew warning me against traveling to Pakistan, the moment I stood in the queue to board my first flight to Islamabad, I admit I wasn’t sure whether I was in the right place. It’s very hard to extract yourself from all the common preconceptions about Pakistan as a person living in the Western world and consuming Western media. After all, the one single image of the country we are given is that of an unsafe, unwelcoming place – which is of course very wrong.

But as I stood in that queue, I had people approach me, asking where I was from and whether this was my first time in Pakistan. Those wrong preconceptions quickly began to wither away before I even landed on Pakistani soil. And from what I know, this seems to be a pretty standard change of sentiment among foreign visitors.

BW: Are there any special planning tips you recommend for travelers, especially solo female travelers, planning a trip to Pakistan?

EZB: I spent such a long time in Pakistan that I ended up traveling in all sorts of constellations: in a group, with friends, with a team, and of course solo. I would say that traveling solo, as a foreign woman, gave me the greatest scope to meet new people and get to know the country’s diverse cultures.

There is this idea that traveling solo as a woman in Pakistan is dangerous – but see, on the contrary, I’ve found that whenever I traveled alone, people really went out of their way to help me, make me feel secure and comfortable, without me ever asking for help. I think there is a cultural force at play here: not many women travel solo in Pakistan, so one that does immediately becomes a kind of “sister,” and people are very conscious about making you feel welcome. There is definitely a sense of protectiveness towards women in general here – and while this isn’t necessarily always a good thing, in the specific context of travel it has meant that I’ve always felt safe.

It’s also important to note that Pakistan hasn’t had much international leisure tourism in recent years, which I think makes people a little bit more curious about why you’re there, what brought you to the country, and… it’s not uncommon for people to give proof of Pakistani hospitality by being exceedingly welcoming to foreign travelers.

However, there are some things you need to keep in mind while traveling here, out of sheer respect.

Pakistan being a pretty conservative country, female travelers should pay attention to what they’re wearing. Officially, there are no laws around clothing, like in Iran for example. But culturally, respecting local customs might mean wearing ankle-length trousers and loose-fitting tops – though no headscarf is necessary in Pakistan, unless you are visiting a mosque or a very conservative area.

Of course, I am saying all of this from the perspective of a woman who has traveled solo across much of Asia and the Middle East. For a beginner solo traveler, Pakistan could be overwhelming in its intensity and relative trickiness in getting around and finding access to typical travel infrastructure. While I do recommend it to Western solo female travelers, a smart move would be to travel elsewhere around South Asia or even the Middle East first, before venturing out to Pakistan.

BW: For someone planning a trip to Pakistan, what are some of the must dos – which cities, sites, and experiences are at the top of your list?

EZB: This is the thing about Pakistan I love the most: there’s something here for every kind of traveler.

My personal list starts with the mountains in the north. After all, this is the country where the mighty peaks of the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Himalayan ranges converge! The north is also home to four of the world’s 14 tallest mountains (all above 8,000 meters).

The best way to take in these wild, rugged landscapes is by doing a trek: my favorite has been a two-week expedition to the foot of the mighty K2 (the world’s second tallest mountain), which takes you through glaciers, ice and the Karakoram wilderness. If you’re strapped for time, you can also trek to the base camps of Rakaposhi or Nanga Parbat (“The Killer Mountain”), which are much more accessible and still offer incredible mountain views.

While you’re in the north, essential stops include the sky-blue Attabad Lake, which was formed after a giant landslide blocked off a valley in the Hunza region; Khunjerab Pass, which is the world’s highest paved international border crossing, between China and Pakistan; and the historic Silk Route, parts of which run along the stunning Karakoram Highway. The fascinating thing about this region is how seamlessly nature and history intertwine here: the landscape shaped the history of this region, and marks of this history can be experienced all across the northern regions.

If history is your thing, I would recommend starting in Pakistan’s cultural capital, Lahore, where you can learn about the history of the Mughals. From there, head to the south of the country. Across the province of Sindh, you can explore the remains of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization (the oldest-known civilization in the world! They had sewers 4,500 years ago!), and then move on to the Sufi trail – a mystical movement in Islam which has produced some stunning shrines and musical traditions, still alive in Sindh today.

BW: What’s one common misconception that you wish people didn’t have about visiting Pakistan and the Pakistani people?

EZB: I feel that over the years, Western media has contributed to building a very one-sided, and one-sidedly negative picture of Pakistan. From news stories on TV, to shows like “Homeland,” much of what we hear about the country internationally can lead us to believe that it’s an empty and violent land filled with dangerous people; a no-go zone.

But, see, my personal experience of Pakistan could not be further from this image. And while the landscapes, culture and food are wonderful, the best thing about Pakistan is the warmth of the people there. Those very people we are told to fear – those same people have been the kindest and most approachable I’ve encountered on all my travels.

And this is what pains me: in the West, we are told to fear Pakistan and Pakistanis. The reality is totally different.

On several occasions in Pakistan, I heard the heart-breaking words: “Just tell your friends and family back home that we are not bad people.” Nobody should ever have to say this to a visitor, and I still recoil when I remember these words.

Of course, Pakistan has gone through some very troubling times in the past, but the security situation has improved enormously over the last few years. Karachi, its largest city, was pretty much a no-go zone less than a decade ago; right now, it’s a blossoming metropolis and key economic hub. Certain areas of the north were under Taliban control up until a few years back; but now, they’re extremely safe, with the government investing heavily in tourism infrastructure like hiking routes, new resorts, and skiing facilities.

BW: That all sounds great for the country and the people. You mention Pakistanis being very approachable – what about when it came to eating out? Were you eating out alone most of the time during your travels or did you receive any interesting invitations to eat with local families?

EZB: I think I had a meal alone only once or twice during my 10-month tenure in Pakistan! As a foreign tourist, even if you are sitting alone in a restaurant, even if you WOULD LIKE to be alone, you’re almost guaranteed to attract guests to your table. People in Pakistan are so friendly to travelers that sometimes entire families will come over and invite you to share their meal.

For one of the largest ethnic groups, the Pashtuns, hospitality is even part of their explicit Code of Honor (the Pashtunwali), which dictates that guests must be respected under all circumstances, even if they are your sworn enemies. Don’t be surprised if people randomly invite you to their house for food or ask if you’d like to join their table – and don’t refuse the honor, either!

On one of my trips, I got a chance to travel as part of a delegation to Waziristan, an area of Pakistan that is still very much off-bounds to tourists. Here, the Pashtunwali truly reigns supreme. Despite the instability in the region and its perception as a conflict zone, it was hard not to see and feel the hospitality of the people there. Everyone we came across invited me to their house to meet their wives and daughters (a privilege granted only to women, of course) and share a meal with them. Trust me: when you’re eating with your hands from a single large dish and sharing that meal with others… it really brings you closer together.

A word of warning to those with sensitive stomachs: Pakistani food is an explosion of flavors and a flurry of ingredients, so while it’s super delicious, it’s not for the faint of heart!

BW: On one of your most immersive experiences in Pakistan you lived with a Wakhi family in Jamalabad for a week. You created an incredible vlog on the experience and the five life lessons they taught you. But my question is, how did you plan this experience? Was it particularly difficult to get to this region and to the family?

EZB: The village of Jamalabad is one of the very last settlements in the country before the Chinese border. Getting there involves a 24-hour drive from the capital Islamabad, or taking a flight to Gilgit, the nearest airport (very prone to cancellation) and a long drive.

But once you reach it, it’s the kind of place you stay in for a while. The village is surrounded by snow-capped peaks in all seasons and explodes with greenery in the summer. The families who live there live quiet and peaceful lives, farming and herding animals. Every morning, a couple of villagers gather all the sheep and goats from all the households and take them all to the pastures to graze – they work in shifts, with a different family performing the shepherding duties every day.

This, remember, is the land the West thinks of as “Taliban territory.”

It’s an idyllic place for a visitor, but very much a real place for the people who live there. I got to stay with one of the families through a friend, who put me in touch with a household that had a French visitor staying with them a few years back. I wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of my life at the time; and they were happy to welcome a foreign girl traveling alone in those parts. That’s how they became my “Wakhi family.”

I actually ended up spending three weeks living with them: after my initial visit, which led to the vlog you’re talking about, I came back a couple of months later to help organize a family wedding. It’s hard not to feel like you’re part of the family when everyone does their best to welcome you as their daughter.

BW: What was your favorite memory with the family?

EZB: It was the mundane, daily routine that creates a spectrum of happy memories we shared. Those moments spent sitting around the stove (“bukhari”) in the one room of the house, helping out with lunch and dinner preparations, performing the duties of a chai (tea) maker – or apprentice, I should say. It was those bursts of laughter when the women of the house would rate my kneading skills as subpar, when selfie-taking sessions were followed by selfie-approval sessions, when we collected hay from the land, and milked the cow in the morning.

Life like this exists in many parts of the world, but not everyone knows that such a peaceful, quaint way of life can also exist high up in the mountains of Pakistan.

BW: With all of these remote regions to explore and travel between, what are the best ways to get around?

EZB: Although it was a popular destination for international tourists in the 1980s and 1990s, the events of recent years meant that the government didn’t invest in tourism infrastructure for many years. Even today, getting around the country can be tricky for the inexperienced traveler – but a fun adventure for those of us who don’t mind leaving our comfort zones once in a while.

A network of public buses – as basic as they may be – run across the country, and a few airlines operate flights between the main cities. Flights to the north, however, are easily disrupted by weather conditions, and the mountain roads can be tough and tiring to navigate. Pakistan may not offer the same level of convenience as some of its neighbors to the east, but that always made my travels there feel all the more accomplished. If you want to fully enjoy the experience of traveling In Pakistan, you just have to come prepared with patience, a solid dose of trust in human beings, and a sprinkling of intrepidity!

BW: How many vlogs have you created around your adventures in Pakistan? I hear you want to develop your own TV show around traveling here…

EZB: I’ve produced more videos than I can count about Pakistan! And even these videos don’t fully reflect the scope of my incredible experiences in the country. Many of them have gone viral, but more importantly, I believe that they contributed – even in small ways – towards a better understanding of Pakistan as a potential travel destination by the international public.

The video that I believe attracted the most attention was my take on “Why I Believe Pakistan Can Be the World’s #1 Travel Destination.” People tend to chuckle when I tell them this, but there’s nothing to laugh about. In this video, I argue that the country has the ultimate potential: it has sweeping beaches lining the edge of the Arabian Sea; it has cities overflowing with culture and energy; it has 4,500 years of history; its Northern regions are blessed with the world’s greatest mountain ranges. There is still a very long way to go until any of this could actually happen, but, in the meantime, this video certainly stirred a heated debate on social media, attracting several million views across various platforms.

In 2018, I worked on a travel show with a local film crew. We traversed the whole country, north to south and east to west, meeting inspiring people, exploring local customs and witnessing incredible sceneries. The project is still in its edit stages, but I hope you will all be able to watch it in the coming months.

BW: And, last but not least, what’s left for you to explore in Pakistan?

EZB: Pakistan is vast, deep and nuanced. Every time I go back to the same places, I find something new to learn, something new to experience. But in the future, I would like to help expand the opportunities for outdoors adventures in the mountains. Every time I see those peaks, I start dreaming of the incredible opportunities for skiers, riders, mountaineers, and trekkers out there. While some facilities do already exist, I would love to take part in the renaissance of Pakistan as a world-class adventure destination, which I know is coming.

On a more personal level, I look forward to returning to Jamalabad to spend time with my Wakhi family. I want to continue learning their local Wakhi language (this is different from the main national language of Pakistan, which is Urdu), which could fuel future trips to places like the nearby Wakhan corridor in Afghanistan. Ultimately, if I ever have a family, I would like my children to spend their summers in the peaceful village of Jamalabad, learn Wakhi and take in the beautiful culture of my favorite place in the world.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/breann...tan-could-be-the-worlds-1-tourism-destination
 
Abdullah719 said:
This Popular Solo Female Travel Vlogger Thinks Pakistan Could Be The World’s No. 1 Tourism Destination

Pakistan. It’s not exactly on every solo female traveler’s bucket list. But that doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be. Especially if you ask vlogger and content creator Eva zu Beck, who thinks Pakistan could be the world’s #1 tourism destination.

And she doesn’t say this lightly. Having visited 60 countries and with more than 381,000 followers on Instagram, 421,000 followers on Facebook, and 324,000 YouTube channel subscribers as a result of the incredible travel content she creates – from videos exploring forgotten islands in Yemen to exploring Aleppo, Syria alone – she knows a thing or two about the world’s most under-the-radar destinations.

But it wasn’t just her fearlessness that caught my eye, it was her content on Pakistan that really pulled me in. Because she didn’t just visit for a week or two, she lived there for an extended period of time (10 months to be exact), taking her time to really dig into what Pakistani culture, and it’s people, are truly like, creating videos and telling stories on her experiences there that are unlike anything else I’ve seen out there.

She head straight into “Taliban Territory” to live with a local family. She trekked to the base camp of the world’s second tallest mountain. She traveled to the world’s highest paved international border crossing. She met with female carpenters to hear their stories. She took on Karachi alone. And she’s appeared on Pakistani TV.

And while she developed her content independently of the government and tourism board, they took notice. Even inviting her to meet Prime Minister Imran Khan at a tourism conference, presenting to him her impressions of Pakistan as a travel destination from a foreign visitor’s perspective (and where she originally shared her thoughts on Pakistan having the potential to be the #1 tourism destination in the world).

So, being curious about what lead Eva to Pakistan originally and for more insight into what it’s really like to travel through the country alone as a solo female traveler, I asked her about these experiences and more. Here’s what she had to say.

Breanna Wilson (BW): What initially attracted you to explore and travel to Pakistan alone? It isn’t your typical travel destination.

Eva zu Beck (EZB): I’ve never been one for “easy” travel. The trips that brought me the most satisfaction were always the ones that were difficult to organize or involved traveling to places you wouldn’t find on a typical bucket list.

So, when I started traveling full-time, I knew that Bali or Thailand would not be part of my itinerary – I wanted to make videos about places that people around me knew very little about.

The opportunity to visit Pakistan came very early on, as soon as I started my travel adventure. A friend whom I hadn’t seen in 14 years got in touch with me, saying she’d been living in Islamabad for a few years, and that I must come visit her. What started as a bit of a personal gamble and a joke between two old friends, eventually began to develop into a more tangible idea, as my Pakistan Google searches revealed a land of tall peaks, lush valleys, and rich heritage. And when I eventually got my visa, the deal was done. I knew this was the beginning of an incredible adventure.

I could have never predicted, however, that I would spend over 10 months traveling across Pakistan full-time, making films and vlogs about the country, working with local creatives and helping people consider it as a very real travel destination.

Nobody had ever asked me to start promoting Pakistan as a travel destination; nor was this part of my plan at all. But while traveling and creating content about everything I saw, I guess this is what ended up happening – unknowingly, unwittingly, unexpectedly, but in a pretty wonderful and life-changing turn of events.

BW: Were you nervous before you went?

EZB: Yes, absolutely. With all my friends and all the media outlets I knew warning me against traveling to Pakistan, the moment I stood in the queue to board my first flight to Islamabad, I admit I wasn’t sure whether I was in the right place. It’s very hard to extract yourself from all the common preconceptions about Pakistan as a person living in the Western world and consuming Western media. After all, the one single image of the country we are given is that of an unsafe, unwelcoming place – which is of course very wrong.

But as I stood in that queue, I had people approach me, asking where I was from and whether this was my first time in Pakistan. Those wrong preconceptions quickly began to wither away before I even landed on Pakistani soil. And from what I know, this seems to be a pretty standard change of sentiment among foreign visitors.

BW: Are there any special planning tips you recommend for travelers, especially solo female travelers, planning a trip to Pakistan?

EZB: I spent such a long time in Pakistan that I ended up traveling in all sorts of constellations: in a group, with friends, with a team, and of course solo. I would say that traveling solo, as a foreign woman, gave me the greatest scope to meet new people and get to know the country’s diverse cultures.

There is this idea that traveling solo as a woman in Pakistan is dangerous – but see, on the contrary, I’ve found that whenever I traveled alone, people really went out of their way to help me, make me feel secure and comfortable, without me ever asking for help. I think there is a cultural force at play here: not many women travel solo in Pakistan, so one that does immediately becomes a kind of “sister,” and people are very conscious about making you feel welcome. There is definitely a sense of protectiveness towards women in general here – and while this isn’t necessarily always a good thing, in the specific context of travel it has meant that I’ve always felt safe.

It’s also important to note that Pakistan hasn’t had much international leisure tourism in recent years, which I think makes people a little bit more curious about why you’re there, what brought you to the country, and… it’s not uncommon for people to give proof of Pakistani hospitality by being exceedingly welcoming to foreign travelers.

However, there are some things you need to keep in mind while traveling here, out of sheer respect.

Pakistan being a pretty conservative country, female travelers should pay attention to what they’re wearing. Officially, there are no laws around clothing, like in Iran for example. But culturally, respecting local customs might mean wearing ankle-length trousers and loose-fitting tops – though no headscarf is necessary in Pakistan, unless you are visiting a mosque or a very conservative area.

Of course, I am saying all of this from the perspective of a woman who has traveled solo across much of Asia and the Middle East. For a beginner solo traveler, Pakistan could be overwhelming in its intensity and relative trickiness in getting around and finding access to typical travel infrastructure. While I do recommend it to Western solo female travelers, a smart move would be to travel elsewhere around South Asia or even the Middle East first, before venturing out to Pakistan.

BW: For someone planning a trip to Pakistan, what are some of the must dos – which cities, sites, and experiences are at the top of your list?

EZB: This is the thing about Pakistan I love the most: there’s something here for every kind of traveler.

My personal list starts with the mountains in the north. After all, this is the country where the mighty peaks of the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Himalayan ranges converge! The north is also home to four of the world’s 14 tallest mountains (all above 8,000 meters).

The best way to take in these wild, rugged landscapes is by doing a trek: my favorite has been a two-week expedition to the foot of the mighty K2 (the world’s second tallest mountain), which takes you through glaciers, ice and the Karakoram wilderness. If you’re strapped for time, you can also trek to the base camps of Rakaposhi or Nanga Parbat (“The Killer Mountain”), which are much more accessible and still offer incredible mountain views.

While you’re in the north, essential stops include the sky-blue Attabad Lake, which was formed after a giant landslide blocked off a valley in the Hunza region; Khunjerab Pass, which is the world’s highest paved international border crossing, between China and Pakistan; and the historic Silk Route, parts of which run along the stunning Karakoram Highway. The fascinating thing about this region is how seamlessly nature and history intertwine here: the landscape shaped the history of this region, and marks of this history can be experienced all across the northern regions.

If history is your thing, I would recommend starting in Pakistan’s cultural capital, Lahore, where you can learn about the history of the Mughals. From there, head to the south of the country. Across the province of Sindh, you can explore the remains of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization (the oldest-known civilization in the world! They had sewers 4,500 years ago!), and then move on to the Sufi trail – a mystical movement in Islam which has produced some stunning shrines and musical traditions, still alive in Sindh today.

BW: What’s one common misconception that you wish people didn’t have about visiting Pakistan and the Pakistani people?

EZB: I feel that over the years, Western media has contributed to building a very one-sided, and one-sidedly negative picture of Pakistan. From news stories on TV, to shows like “Homeland,” much of what we hear about the country internationally can lead us to believe that it’s an empty and violent land filled with dangerous people; a no-go zone.

But, see, my personal experience of Pakistan could not be further from this image. And while the landscapes, culture and food are wonderful, the best thing about Pakistan is the warmth of the people there. Those very people we are told to fear – those same people have been the kindest and most approachable I’ve encountered on all my travels.

And this is what pains me: in the West, we are told to fear Pakistan and Pakistanis. The reality is totally different.

On several occasions in Pakistan, I heard the heart-breaking words: “Just tell your friends and family back home that we are not bad people.” Nobody should ever have to say this to a visitor, and I still recoil when I remember these words.

Of course, Pakistan has gone through some very troubling times in the past, but the security situation has improved enormously over the last few years. Karachi, its largest city, was pretty much a no-go zone less than a decade ago; right now, it’s a blossoming metropolis and key economic hub. Certain areas of the north were under Taliban control up until a few years back; but now, they’re extremely safe, with the government investing heavily in tourism infrastructure like hiking routes, new resorts, and skiing facilities.

BW: That all sounds great for the country and the people. You mention Pakistanis being very approachable – what about when it came to eating out? Were you eating out alone most of the time during your travels or did you receive any interesting invitations to eat with local families?

EZB: I think I had a meal alone only once or twice during my 10-month tenure in Pakistan! As a foreign tourist, even if you are sitting alone in a restaurant, even if you WOULD LIKE to be alone, you’re almost guaranteed to attract guests to your table. People in Pakistan are so friendly to travelers that sometimes entire families will come over and invite you to share their meal.

For one of the largest ethnic groups, the Pashtuns, hospitality is even part of their explicit Code of Honor (the Pashtunwali), which dictates that guests must be respected under all circumstances, even if they are your sworn enemies. Don’t be surprised if people randomly invite you to their house for food or ask if you’d like to join their table – and don’t refuse the honor, either!

On one of my trips, I got a chance to travel as part of a delegation to Waziristan, an area of Pakistan that is still very much off-bounds to tourists. Here, the Pashtunwali truly reigns supreme. Despite the instability in the region and its perception as a conflict zone, it was hard not to see and feel the hospitality of the people there. Everyone we came across invited me to their house to meet their wives and daughters (a privilege granted only to women, of course) and share a meal with them. Trust me: when you’re eating with your hands from a single large dish and sharing that meal with others… it really brings you closer together.

A word of warning to those with sensitive stomachs: Pakistani food is an explosion of flavors and a flurry of ingredients, so while it’s super delicious, it’s not for the faint of heart!

BW: On one of your most immersive experiences in Pakistan you lived with a Wakhi family in Jamalabad for a week. You created an incredible vlog on the experience and the five life lessons they taught you. But my question is, how did you plan this experience? Was it particularly difficult to get to this region and to the family?

EZB: The village of Jamalabad is one of the very last settlements in the country before the Chinese border. Getting there involves a 24-hour drive from the capital Islamabad, or taking a flight to Gilgit, the nearest airport (very prone to cancellation) and a long drive.

But once you reach it, it’s the kind of place you stay in for a while. The village is surrounded by snow-capped peaks in all seasons and explodes with greenery in the summer. The families who live there live quiet and peaceful lives, farming and herding animals. Every morning, a couple of villagers gather all the sheep and goats from all the households and take them all to the pastures to graze – they work in shifts, with a different family performing the shepherding duties every day.

This, remember, is the land the West thinks of as “Taliban territory.”

It’s an idyllic place for a visitor, but very much a real place for the people who live there. I got to stay with one of the families through a friend, who put me in touch with a household that had a French visitor staying with them a few years back. I wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of my life at the time; and they were happy to welcome a foreign girl traveling alone in those parts. That’s how they became my “Wakhi family.”

I actually ended up spending three weeks living with them: after my initial visit, which led to the vlog you’re talking about, I came back a couple of months later to help organize a family wedding. It’s hard not to feel like you’re part of the family when everyone does their best to welcome you as their daughter.

BW: What was your favorite memory with the family?

EZB: It was the mundane, daily routine that creates a spectrum of happy memories we shared. Those moments spent sitting around the stove (“bukhari”) in the one room of the house, helping out with lunch and dinner preparations, performing the duties of a chai (tea) maker – or apprentice, I should say. It was those bursts of laughter when the women of the house would rate my kneading skills as subpar, when selfie-taking sessions were followed by selfie-approval sessions, when we collected hay from the land, and milked the cow in the morning.

Life like this exists in many parts of the world, but not everyone knows that such a peaceful, quaint way of life can also exist high up in the mountains of Pakistan.

BW: With all of these remote regions to explore and travel between, what are the best ways to get around?

EZB: Although it was a popular destination for international tourists in the 1980s and 1990s, the events of recent years meant that the government didn’t invest in tourism infrastructure for many years. Even today, getting around the country can be tricky for the inexperienced traveler – but a fun adventure for those of us who don’t mind leaving our comfort zones once in a while.

A network of public buses – as basic as they may be – run across the country, and a few airlines operate flights between the main cities. Flights to the north, however, are easily disrupted by weather conditions, and the mountain roads can be tough and tiring to navigate. Pakistan may not offer the same level of convenience as some of its neighbors to the east, but that always made my travels there feel all the more accomplished. If you want to fully enjoy the experience of traveling In Pakistan, you just have to come prepared with patience, a solid dose of trust in human beings, and a sprinkling of intrepidity!

BW: How many vlogs have you created around your adventures in Pakistan? I hear you want to develop your own TV show around traveling here…

EZB: I’ve produced more videos than I can count about Pakistan! And even these videos don’t fully reflect the scope of my incredible experiences in the country. Many of them have gone viral, but more importantly, I believe that they contributed – even in small ways – towards a better understanding of Pakistan as a potential travel destination by the international public.

The video that I believe attracted the most attention was my take on “Why I Believe Pakistan Can Be the World’s #1 Travel Destination.” People tend to chuckle when I tell them this, but there’s nothing to laugh about. In this video, I argue that the country has the ultimate potential: it has sweeping beaches lining the edge of the Arabian Sea; it has cities overflowing with culture and energy; it has 4,500 years of history; its Northern regions are blessed with the world’s greatest mountain ranges. There is still a very long way to go until any of this could actually happen, but, in the meantime, this video certainly stirred a heated debate on social media, attracting several million views across various platforms.

In 2018, I worked on a travel show with a local film crew. We traversed the whole country, north to south and east to west, meeting inspiring people, exploring local customs and witnessing incredible sceneries. The project is still in its edit stages, but I hope you will all be able to watch it in the coming months.

BW: And, last but not least, what’s left for you to explore in Pakistan?

EZB: Pakistan is vast, deep and nuanced. Every time I go back to the same places, I find something new to learn, something new to experience. But in the future, I would like to help expand the opportunities for outdoors adventures in the mountains. Every time I see those peaks, I start dreaming of the incredible opportunities for skiers, riders, mountaineers, and trekkers out there. While some facilities do already exist, I would love to take part in the renaissance of Pakistan as a world-class adventure destination, which I know is coming.

On a more personal level, I look forward to returning to Jamalabad to spend time with my Wakhi family. I want to continue learning their local Wakhi language (this is different from the main national language of Pakistan, which is Urdu), which could fuel future trips to places like the nearby Wakhan corridor in Afghanistan. Ultimately, if I ever have a family, I would like my children to spend their summers in the peaceful village of Jamalabad, learn Wakhi and take in the beautiful culture of my favorite place in the world.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/breann...tan-could-be-the-worlds-1-tourism-destination
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The comments on the tweet are actually a reflection of the difference between perception and reality. We aren't as bad as we are made out to be but we are still light years behind anything substantial.

There have been so many vloggers in Pakistan recently but there's so much more that's needed.
 
The potential for tourism is huge but the current situation is dire.

There is a new airport built in Islamabad and no international standard hotels nearby. Islamabad has a few top end hotels within the centre such as Serena and Marriott and likewise Lahore and Karachi but not enough in other areas particular the north west.

I visited Quetta a couple of decades ago and stayed at the pearl continental hotel but with respect to Quetta, it’s not an interesting place for international tourists.

Swat valley, Himalayan mountains are stunning and perfect for tourists but infrastructure is required and it again has to be international standard. This includes chalets, ski lifts, ski pistes, mountain rescue rather than Pak Army, international restaurant scene away from 3 big cities.

Much of northern Azad Kashmir is scenic but no infrastructure or any appetite for it.

The GT road from Islamabad to Lahore and even further afield has tourist potential mainly around food tours and history but again needs investment. Places on route such as Wazirabad, Gujranwala, Jhelum Khushab and famous shrines etc enroute.

We have the gulf coast heading further from Karachi to places such as Badeen and even Gwadar. Resorts are possible but alcohol situation also has to be addressed.

Gwadar I’m aware has investment opportunities but I can’t see any elite of society living there other than for dedicated work commitments so will lack that desire to visit for tourist reasons unless you like containers and cranes!
 
I’ve travelled and backpacked around most of the world and Pakistan is certainly up there with some of the best travel destinations.

Unfortunately, the security issue is still a major issue.

I think we need to focus on domestic and expat tourism to begin with.

Pakistan is a stunning country and has, like most of South Asia, some of the kindest, warmest individuals you’d ever meet.
 
Interesting podcast by Junaid khan on it

https://youtu.be/lJLvk6kt908
 
miandadrules said:
I’ve travelled and backpacked around most of the world and Pakistan is certainly up there with some of the best travel destinations.

Unfortunately, the security issue is still a major issue.

I think we need to focus on domestic and expat tourism to begin with.

Pakistan is a stunning country and has, like most of South Asia, some of the kindest, warmest individuals you’d ever meet.
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As an expat i just came back from a trip of Northern areas of Pakistan and felt safe all along. The infrastructure, hotels and other facilities were better than what i was expecting. Its much cheaper than a comparable destination like Switzerland, Italy, Canada or even Turkey. There are airports at Skardu and Gilgit, if you wanna fly. At some spots like Eagles Nest (near Hunza) and in Gilgit i saw quite a few westerners (Spanish, British and Germans).

All in all I was pleased surprised.
 
When I read in July that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were going to embark on four-day tour of Pakistan, I nearly fell off my chair.

As far as international visitors of any kind go, it's fair to say Pakistan has for years been considered "off limits," a place which most governments advised their citizens to avoid, where terrorism is commonplace, and kidnapping likely. International conferences are rare, most sporting events involving the country take place in the Gulf, and the last royal visitor was Prince Charles, almost one and a half decades ago.

Yet, here is our most precious royal couple traveling to the country which most sportsmen, politicians and travel companies avoid.

Why? The answer I believe is because things are finally changing.

I have known Pakistan for a very long time. When I first visited in 1996, the world was a different place: Benazir Bhutto was alive and well and ruling the country for a second time. Next door in Afghanistan, the Taliban had only just emerged as a major force. Al-Qaeda—if it existed at all—was little known and Imran Khan still played cricket.

Traveling on an unlikely quest to follow in the footsteps of my two heroes from English literature, Peachy Carnehan and Daniel Dravot from Rudyard Kipling's short story "The Man Who Would Be King," I trekked through India, across Pakistan and deep into the Afghan Hindu Kush. This journey not only gave rise to my second travel book, For a Pagan Song, but also my travel company, Wild Frontiers.

In the early '90s tourism in Pakistan was flourishing. With commercial adventure travel hitting its stride, most of the well-established operators—Explore, Exodus and Intrepid—ran trips here. Indeed, tour groups came from all over the world to trek among some of the world's highest mountains, to raft its glorious rivers, to horse ride and mountain bike, to marvel at the epic landscapes the country boasted and learn more about the people that lived here. With visas easily obtained through the High Commission in Delhi, backpackers crossed the border and ventured north in search of Shangri-La. Overland truck companies carried their customers across the deserts of Baluchistan, en route from Istanbul to Kathmandu. Even Japanese Buddhist pilgrims traveled through the northwest frontier, praying at the many ancient Gandharan stupas that pepper the region.

The first sign of trouble came in 1998 when the then nascent militant group, Al-Qaeda, blew up the U.S. embassies in Dar es Salaam and Nairobi, prompting then-president Bill Clinton to order cruise missiles fired at militant training camps inside Afghanistan. The British FCO slapped an advice-against-travel warning along the frontier, and tourist numbers started to decrease. Ironically, this was the year Wild Frontiers was born: In October of that year, I led my first small group around the north.

But despite storm clouds gathering, tourism continued. Indeed, in those early years if I hadn't got my hotel bookings in early, I'd struggle to find decent accommodation for my groups. The Khyber steam train, a nostalgic tourist service that ran from Peshawar up to the Khyber Pass every other Sunday, was a popular attraction, as much with embassy staff based in Islamabad as with foreign tourists, and again if I hadn't booked my seats months in advance my groups would be disappointed. The same applied to domestic flights that gave easy access to the mountains of the north. By the year 2000, I was running five groups a year for Wild Frontiers, and I was being asked to lead tours for other British companies as well.

But then the world changed.

I was in northern Pakistan with a group of British tourists when 9/11 happened. So cut off were we, in the valleys of Hindu Kush, that we didn't hear about the catastrophic events in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, until three days later, surely making us among the last people on the planet to know. I remember walking into a hotel in Chitral Town and seeing the local newspaper with a picture of the twin towers on fire and the headline, "Doomsday for the USA"; I slumped in a chair and thought doomsday for Wild Frontiers, too.

As it happened, I couldn't have been more wrong. With Pakistan now off limits, I was forced to look elsewhere, to other countries I knew from my travels. By 2003, we were running trips in Central Asia, India and Africa. We now run small group tours and tailor-made holidays to 80 destinations on six continents.

But in the aftermath of 9/11, tourism in Pakistan died completely. Even a brief renaissance in 2004, helped hugely by the groundbreaking Himalaya With Michael Palin series, didn't last long; and throughout the early 2000s and the first half of this decade, tourist numbers remained low. To be fair, Pakistan did have problems. In 2007, the Swat Valley, a tourist favorite in the early '90s, was taken over the Pakistan Taliban, a time best known perhaps for the almost fatal shooting of the inspirational Malala Yousafzai. In 2008, in the heart of the nation's capital the Marriott Hotel was bombed killing 54 people. Peshawar experienced violent of one form or another on a weekly basis. The Khyber Pass was closed to foreigners, and despite huge military intervention, the government continued to have problems in the troubled tribal areas.

But then something happened that once again changed everything. When the army school in Peshawar was attacked by militants in November 2014, killing 148, most of whom were children, the country was galvanized. The army, the government and the people, for the first time, seemed to rise as one in condemnation. Now the violence had gone too far, it was time to change. And change came.

Traveling there the following year, and again two years later, it was obvious to me that there was a desire now to move on from the violent past. After a huge operation the army finally took control of the tribal areas, bringing it under federal control, many of the militant groups that emerged in the '90s were outlawed or shut down, and security along the frontier was substantially increased. As a result, in 2015 the British FCO lifted its advice against travel to large parts of the north.

And things have continued to improve. In November 2018, Imran Khan was elected prime minister, vowing to increase international tourist numbers, visa regulations were eased, and many of the frustrating permits previously required to travel in the north, were dropped. In June 2019, British Airways became the first European airline to recommence flights to Islamabad; more are scheduled to follow. And as a result, tourist numbers are once again increasing. At Wild Frontiers, we have seen 100 percent growth for each of the past four years and some of the bigger companies are starting to trickle back in. Will and Kate's visit can only help this process continue.

To say that tourism in Pakistan has been a roller coaster would be to imply there were some good times, but that is not really the case. From the late '90s the trajectory has been only downward. Until now. This is not to say Pakistan is out of the woods just yet. There are still issues in restive Baluchistan, sectarianism still causes problems and the area to the west of Peshawar is still out of bounds. The FCO still advise against travel on the famous Karakoram Highway and on the road to Chitral; both key arteries for those wanting to experience the majesty of the north.

But it's my hope that Pakistan, a country I love to visit, which offers the curious traveler a unique and rewarding experience, has now turned a corner, and is finally ready to take its rightful place as one of the world's great adventure destinations.

https://www.newsweek.com/will-royal-visit-revive-pakistans-tourism-1465786
 
If Pakistan can't make the most of the Royal visit, then it never will boost its tourism industry.

Huge opportunity.
 
Pakistan needs to learn from Egypt

The number of tourists in Egypt stood at 0.1 million in 1951. Tourism became an important sector of the economy from 1975 onwards, as Egypt eased visa restrictions for almost all European and North American countries and established embassies in new countries like Austria, Netherlands, Denmark and Finland. In 1976, tourism was a focal point of the Five Year Plan of the Government, where 12% of the budget was allocated to upgrading state-owned hotels, establishing a loan fund for private hotels, and upgrading infrastructure (including road, rail, and air connectivity) for major tourist centers along the coastal areas. In 1979, tourism experts and advisors were brought in from Turkey and several new colleges were established with Turkish help between 1979 and 1981, to teach diploma courses in hospitality and tourism management. The tourist inflow increased to 1.8 million in 1981 and then to 5.5 million in 2000. Tourism reached a pinnacle in 2010 by reaching 14.7 million visitors.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_Egypt

Nothing is achieved without a plan and the will to execute given plan.
 
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Northern part is worth visiting.

Southern cities are a dump combined with dirt and unplanned gali mohalles.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If Pakistan should model itself on any country, it should be Turkey. Their hospitality, their food, their ability to welcome the world, MashAllah they have done well. Pakistan has so many untapped resources, InshAllah we will get there one day &#55356;&#56821;&#55356;&#56816;&#55356;&#56825;&#55356;&#56823; <a href="https://t.co/bPi4JBWURz">pic.twitter.com/bPi4JBWURz</a></p>— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) <a href="https://twitter.com/wasimakramlive/status/1321468905706168321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Pakistán has underachieved big time in attracting tourist. It ain’t no turkey. But plenty to see. Balochistan and the northern parts are breathtaking. Food is insanely good and people are hospitable.
 
UNSG visits Mohenjo Daro, assures support for conservation
This was the first ever visit to the prehistoric site by any secretary general of the United Nations

KARACHI:
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday visited Mohenjo Daro, one of UNESCO's six world heritage sites in Pakistan, and assured the Sindh government all possible support to protect the heritage site, showing his concern over the damages caused to it due to heavy rains.

Guterres was briefed by the officials that the site was damaged during the rains started from July 4 to August 26.

This was the first ever visit to the site by any secretary general of the United Nations.

Flanked by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Guterres arrived in Larkana to inspect the scale of damage caused by the devastating floods to the iconic site.

FM Bilawal briefed Guterres on the damages conceded by the prehistoric site due to historic rains and floods, the statement added.

Apart from massive human and infrastructure losses caused by monsoon rains 10 times heavier than normal and massive floods, the country risks losing its archaeological treasure, including remnants of the Mohenjo Daro and Mahargarh civilisations.

Mohinjo Daro, also known as the "Mound of the Dead," is located 27 kilometers (about 17 miles) from and has been particularly hard hit by the country's most destructive monsoon spells and floods in recent history, causing concern among local and foreign archaeologists.

The floodwaters surrounding the quintessential site have damaged several excavated portions, causing water to seep through and create furrows.

Rain and flood waters seeping into the ground are tilting the walls of the heritage site's prehistoric houses, which date back to 2,500 B.C. and are the last surviving remnants of the Indus Valley Civilisation.

This alarming development, according to archaeologists, could potentially lead to the walls completely crumbling and collapsing.

Sindh’s Culture Minister Syed Sardar Shah thanked the UNSG for launching the World Appeal after the passionate and powerful presentation about the gravity of the situation by Foreign Minister Bilawal.

He said the world is now moved and joining Pakistan for the emergency relief and rehabilitation of the millions of affected people, with the worst situation in Sindh.

“Your visit to Pakistan reminds to the world about the severity of the crisis… United Nations is leading with every possible assistance while tackling the global challenge of the Climate Crisis,” Sardar Shah further said.

According to Pakistan’s Meteorological Department, the site received 211 mm rains in July and 950 mm in August. On the last day of the monsoon season, 136 mm rain was recorded on the site that continued for about 10 hours, damaging the artificial layers in different areas, including DK South, HR Area, Great Bath and others.

“We have tried our best with the assistance and patronage of UNESCO to keep it conserved and persevered. It is becoming very, very difficult for us now to save this crumbling walls and structures,” Shah said while briefing the visiting delegation.

He said that the provincial government has limited resources, adding that the threats to our centuries old heritage are abound and would multiply as the threat of climate change deepens and multiplies worldwide.

Since August 27, the technical teams have been busy in protecting the site giving the first-aid, saving the original structure to further damage. Sources told The Express Tribune that the conservation work will soon be started with the support of international experts.

Express Tribune
 
GoUgandaCranes said:
The comments on the tweet are actually a reflection of the difference between perception and reality. We aren't as bad as we are made out to be but we are still light years behind anything substantial.

There have been so many vloggers in Pakistan recently but there's so much more that's needed.
Click to expand...



agreed
 
daytrader said:
UNSG visits Mohenjo Daro, assures support for conservation
This was the first ever visit to the prehistoric site by any secretary general of the United Nations

KARACHI:
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday visited Mohenjo Daro, one of UNESCO's six world heritage sites in Pakistan, and assured the Sindh government all possible support to protect the heritage site, showing his concern over the damages caused to it due to heavy rains.

Guterres was briefed by the officials that the site was damaged during the rains started from July 4 to August 26.

This was the first ever visit to the site by any secretary general of the United Nations.

Flanked by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Guterres arrived in Larkana to inspect the scale of damage caused by the devastating floods to the iconic site.

FM Bilawal briefed Guterres on the damages conceded by the prehistoric site due to historic rains and floods, the statement added.

Apart from massive human and infrastructure losses caused by monsoon rains 10 times heavier than normal and massive floods, the country risks losing its archaeological treasure, including remnants of the Mohenjo Daro and Mahargarh civilisations.

Mohinjo Daro, also known as the "Mound of the Dead," is located 27 kilometers (about 17 miles) from and has been particularly hard hit by the country's most destructive monsoon spells and floods in recent history, causing concern among local and foreign archaeologists.

The floodwaters surrounding the quintessential site have damaged several excavated portions, causing water to seep through and create furrows.

Rain and flood waters seeping into the ground are tilting the walls of the heritage site's prehistoric houses, which date back to 2,500 B.C. and are the last surviving remnants of the Indus Valley Civilisation.

This alarming development, according to archaeologists, could potentially lead to the walls completely crumbling and collapsing.

Sindh’s Culture Minister Syed Sardar Shah thanked the UNSG for launching the World Appeal after the passionate and powerful presentation about the gravity of the situation by Foreign Minister Bilawal.

He said the world is now moved and joining Pakistan for the emergency relief and rehabilitation of the millions of affected people, with the worst situation in Sindh.

“Your visit to Pakistan reminds to the world about the severity of the crisis… United Nations is leading with every possible assistance while tackling the global challenge of the Climate Crisis,” Sardar Shah further said.

According to Pakistan’s Meteorological Department, the site received 211 mm rains in July and 950 mm in August. On the last day of the monsoon season, 136 mm rain was recorded on the site that continued for about 10 hours, damaging the artificial layers in different areas, including DK South, HR Area, Great Bath and others.

“We have tried our best with the assistance and patronage of UNESCO to keep it conserved and persevered. It is becoming very, very difficult for us now to save this crumbling walls and structures,” Shah said while briefing the visiting delegation.

He said that the provincial government has limited resources, adding that the threats to our centuries old heritage are abound and would multiply as the threat of climate change deepens and multiplies worldwide.

Since August 27, the technical teams have been busy in protecting the site giving the first-aid, saving the original structure to further damage. Sources told The Express Tribune that the conservation work will soon be started with the support of international experts.

Express Tribune
Click to expand...
Mohenjo daro must be protected.
India must offer whatever it takes financially and logistically to preserve this site. It is India’s rich heritage. It’s our identity.
 
Bhaijaan said:
Mohenjo daro must be protected.
India must offer whatever it takes financially and logistically to preserve this site. It is India’s rich heritage. It’s our identity.
Click to expand...

Good to see interest in this from across the border and hopefully one day Pakistan can capitalize on this form of tourism. However, your claim to it being India's heritage and identity is misplaced. The Indus valley and it's people have always been different from those of the Ganges. Indian and Paksitani identity is not the same.
 
daytrader said:
Good to see interest in this from across the border and hopefully one day Pakistan can capitalize on this form of tourism. However, your claim to it being India's heritage and identity is misplaced. The Indus valley and it's people have always been different from those of the Ganges. Indian and Paksitani identity is not the same.
Click to expand...

Pakistanis do not relate themselves to their ancestors of the Mohanjo daro. Most Pakistanis relate themselves to Arabs and Persians although the reverse doesn’t exist.

This is what worries us Indians. Our heritage is in wrong hands. The GOI must have a word with UNESCO on this , maybe India could be awarded control of these sites.
 
Pakistan's unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure opportunities gives it a competitive edge in the global tourism market.

Utilizing social media and digital platforms to showcase Pakistan's hidden gems can attract a wider audience and dispel misconceptions.

Pakistan's tourism sector has the potential to contribute significantly to the country's economy while showcasing its cultural heritage and natural beauty to the world.
 
Bhaijaan said:
Pakistanis do not relate themselves to their ancestors of the Mohanjo daro. Most Pakistanis relate themselves to Arabs and Persians although the reverse doesn’t exist.

This is what worries us Indians. Our heritage is in wrong hands. The GOI must have a word with UNESCO on this , maybe India could be awarded control of these sites.
Click to expand...
Not sure what you mean by this as Pakistanis are aware of their geography and its importance in the World. Any Pakistani will proudly tell you about the Indus Valley Civilization. Yes, Islam does have a significant influence on our region but it did so on India as well. And modern India is doing all it can to forget its Islamic history. The bigger worry for India is managing its own narrative of what's its heritage really is.
 
Bhaijaan said:
Pakistanis do not relate themselves to their ancestors of the Mohanjo daro. Most Pakistanis relate themselves to Arabs and Persians although the reverse doesn’t exist.

This is what worries us Indians. Our heritage is in wrong hands. The GOI must have a word with UNESCO on this , maybe India could be awarded control of these sites.
Click to expand...
Kuch bhi? Did you do any survey to come to this conclusion lol? :inti
 
daytrader said:
Not sure what you mean by this as Pakistanis are aware of their geography and its importance in the World. Any Pakistani will proudly tell you about the Indus Valley Civilization. Yes, Islam does have a significant influence on our region but it did so on India as well. And modern India is doing all it can to forget its Islamic history. The bigger worry for India is managing its own narrative of what's its heritage really is.
Click to expand...
Bhaag Viru Bhaag said:
Kuch bhi? Did you do any survey to come to this conclusion lol? :inti
Click to expand...

It’s common knowledge and various notable Pakistani media analysts have often pointed it out. Not necessarily a shot at Pakistanis, it’s obviously their choice how they want to identify themselves.

The Pakistanis themselves know what I’m talking about.
 
hi guys I'm visiting Pakistan in January, last time I visited Pakistan was about 10 years ago and it was briefly around 10 days,
I'm not familiar with Pakistan except the research I've done online.

so I was wondering if anyone could help me in regards to do's and don't in Pakistan as well as any nice places to visit

I will be in the Punjab area I believe in the Sahiwal area for a family friends wedding.

I will be lucky enough to be around during the PSL 9 and hoping to visit few games

I'm struggling with amount of money I should take with me if I want to have a good time without being on budget

I will be in Pakistan for around 55 days.
 
Isn't North relatively thriving, Swat, Gilgit etc.

People like GoldenGully on YouTube doing good advertisement
 
BouncerGuy said:
Pakistan is among the best countries for Tourism.

www.linkedin.com

World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on LinkedIn: 📊 UNWTO Barometer Update! ✈️ Latest data reveals standout performance in… | 16 comments

📊 UNWTO Barometer Update! ✈️ Latest data reveals standout performance in tourism receipts from January to September 2023. 📈 Top-performing destinations… | 16 comments on LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com www.linkedin.com
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Fact being there's nobody doing anything for tourism in the country as there's barely any networks or roads to go to most of the touristy and beautiful places in Pakistan.

The current ways to get to those places are so bad and then the arrangements of staying there are so poor/bad on top of being 2/3 star accommodations are charging 5 star prices while there's barely any electricity, clean water, phone network to boot also. Let alone any cleanliness either.
 
Pakistan was so one country had it reached its full capacity it by now could've been making millions by tourism with sheer beauty that is there in so many places had it all of the things I've mentioned above in that post
 
Loads of vloggers (foreigners) have made vlogs and put them on yt in last 4-5 years. My favorite one was by Alexander Volberding (Collegefree). The guy rented a rickshaw from Rawalpindi and drove on it to gilgit i think.
Luke Damant and a few others' vlogs went viral a few years back as well.
 
The peak of tourism time is during summers. (North Side has a lot of eye catching tourist destinations).Currently most of northern areas will be covered in ice. If any foreign tourists visit around this time, it would be the deserts or areas with historical contexts.
 
It was doing really well but right after this economic crisis here in Pakistan things have totally changed.

The increase in petrol prices has ultimately inflated all the other prices. So now for an ordinary middleclass person it's quite impossibe to allocate extra budget for these sorts of activities.
 
K-P sets new record for tourist influx

BALAKOT: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed an unprecedented surge in tourism in 2023, with a staggering 16 million visitors exploring various picturesque destinations throughout the year. This milestone sets a new record for tourist influx in the region.

Official data released by the Department of Tourism reveals the popularity of key attractions, with over 3.5 million tourists flocking to Malam Jabba, 6.3 to Galiyat, and 5 million to Kaghan Valley. Notably, Upper Dir hosted 1.3 million tourists, while Upper Chitral and Lower Chitral saw 38,771 and 591,330 visitors, respectively.

The reported figures encompass both domestic and foreign tourists. The comprehensive data was collected under the oversight of the World Bank’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism (KITE) Centres Project 1422.

The positive trend in 2023 marks a significant recovery for the tourism industry, which faced substantial damage last year due to floods affecting Kaghan Valley and Swat Valley. The notable increase in tourist footfall suggests the province’s immense potential as a preferred destination for leisure and sightseeing. Despite the overall success, certain areas within Kaghan Valley remain inaccessible to tourists due to the absence of connecting roads. One such gem, the enchanting Bhonja Valley, remains off-limits to visitors. The ongoing issue of inadequate road infrastructure poses a challenge, restricting access to popular sites such as Lake Saif-ul-Muluk, Sri Paye, and others. Tourists seeking the scenic beauty of Sri Paya, Shogran, and Naran face challenges accessing these locations via personal vehicles, primarily due to the deplorable condition of roads leading to Lake Saif-ul-Muluk and Sri Paye. With additional input from APP
​
tribune.com.pk

K-P sets new record for tourist influx | The Express Tribune

Over 16m visitors explore various picturesque destinations
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
I have never seen any advert anywhere showcasing the beauty off Pak. That is how the industry is progressing. I do know there are plenty of Chinese people living and working in Islamabad. There are not in Islamabad for tourism.
 
The northern areas of Pakistan is where the biggest potential for tourism exists, and can be tapped further. The issue is we just don’t have the infrastructure to support large scale tourism. Winters could be for European skiers, summers for hiking and camping. Also, luxury hotels for a nice getaway not just for Pakistanis but foreigners as well. Just like everything in Pakistan, so much wasted potential.
 
Its all messed up here in Pakistan. A middle class person can't even think of bringing his family on vacations due to how expensive things have become now.
 
FearlessRoar said:
How will foreigners feel safe in Pakistan if our police treat them like this

https://twitter.com/x/status/1777255049967612181
Click to expand...

To all those who celebrated when these thugs were assaulting and apprehending protesters, behold the repercussions of granting excessive freedom to these criminals. Towards the end of the clip, one individual advises the victims to express their grievances on social media instead of relying on official channels, clearly acknowledging the pervasive corruption within the system, which has only worsened under the current regime.

Oh, but there's a catch—since this unelected authoritarian government has banned Twitter, the victims are now deprived of even the opportunity to voice their concerns on social media. So that smug dude was wrong about that too.
 
Police is one of the most corrupt departments of Pakistan and this pathetic attitude is gonna make it worse for them. How can they treat anybody like this. Where is the government and that lady ASP now.?
 
Hextro said:
To all those who celebrated when these thugs were assaulting and apprehending protesters, behold the repercussions of granting excessive freedom to these criminals. Towards the end of the clip, one individual advises the victims to express their grievances on social media instead of relying on official channels, clearly acknowledging the pervasive corruption within the system, which has only worsened under the current regime.

Oh, but there's a catch—since this unelected authoritarian government has banned Twitter, the victims are now deprived of even the opportunity to voice their concerns on social media. So that smug dude was wrong about that too.
Click to expand...
Sincerely hope those who applaused the thuggery of the establishment get a similar taste. Only then will they appreciate the beauty of it.
 
Murree continues to receive tourists on Eid-ul-Fitr and weekends

According to CTO Rawalpindi Taimur Khan, about 49 thousand vehicles have entered Murree since the first day of Eid. Even now, there are about 7,500 tourist vehicles in Murree.

Spokesman CTO said that rain has been continuing in Murree since last day. Arrangements are complete to maintain the flow of traffic during rains. CTO, STO Rawalpindi and DSP are personally monitoring the traffic arrangements.

Spokesman CTO further said that lifters and breakdowns will remain in patrolling mode. Arrangements are underway to provide all possible assistance to the citizens.

Hum News
 
Kaghan road reopening kindles tourism hopes

After six months of closure due to heavy snowfall, landslides, and glacier collapse, the crucial Kaghan highway leading to the renowned tourist destination of Naran is finally undergoing restoration.

The National Highway Authority (NHA) has commenced efforts to reopen the route following the conclusion of the snow season.

Anticipated to be accessible by the first week of May, the restored road promises to not only reconnect tourists with the picturesque valley but also provide employment opportunities for thousands.

The closure of the Kaghan highway, stretching from Rajwal to Naran, occurred after a significant glacier incident obstructed the route.

With up to eight feet of snowfall in recent years, the valley faced accessibility challenges, impacting millions of annual tourists. However, with ongoing restoration efforts, officials assure that the glacier hindering the route will be cleared in the coming days.



Tribune
 
Got back from Pakistan I have nothing positive to say.

Everyone is a crook from the prime minister to the beggers begging on street
 
emranabbas said:
Got back from Pakistan I have nothing positive to say.

Everyone is a crook from the prime minister to the beggers begging on street
Click to expand...
👏
Exactly!
I remember going back in the early to mid 80’s and although they was corruption, people by and large had some semblance of morals and scruples. Today, hah, everyman woman and child for themselves, literally Islamic teachings are nowhere to be seen whatsoever. Ive been to and fro over the years since and it just seems to be the aim how low can they possibly reach. I hope the country gets zero loans, zero aid, zero everything and undergoes a hard reset. It needs super industrial strength glyphosate.
 
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