Farzana Mansoor
DUBAI (UAE): Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai organized an event to highlight tourism potential of Pakistan in its premises. The event was attended by Wasi Shah, Minister of State for Tourism and Chairman Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Naila Kayani, Pakistani Mountaineer, prominent Emiratis and a large number of Pakistani community members.
Highlighting the tourism potential of Pakistan, Wasi Shah said that Pakistan is rich in its tourist destinations and offers a diverse range of choices for all types of tourists. The country is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world dating back to 9000 years, has innumerable sites of scenic beauty, world’s highest mountains, many religious and historic places, unique art and craft and rich culture and heritage.
Wasi Shah said that the government of Pakistan is taking a number of steps to promote tourism including relaxing visa regime to facilitate and welcome foreign tourists from all over the world to Pakistan. Talking about mountaineering in Pakistan, Wasi Shah said that Government has prioritized ensuring insurance coverage of porters along with arrangements for trainings and certification. He also talked about immense investment potential in tourism sector of Pakistan and invited investment especially in building theme parks in Northern Areas of Pakistan.
Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi in his remarks appreciated Naila Kiani’s achievements who has summited eight out of fourteen above 8000 metres peaks. Naila has successfully summited all five above 8000 metres peaks of Pakistan. Ambassador Tirmizi commended Naila’s efforts in promoting women empowerment and highlighting Pakistan’s tourism potential.
Talking about her journey, Naila Kiani mentioned that she aims to summit all above 8000 meters peaks and her next expedition is to peak Manaslu in Nepal and Peak Cho Oyu and Shishapangma in China. Naila Kiani is the first and only Pakistani woman to climb all Pakistan’s highest peaks above 8000 meters.