July 2014 - Volume: 2, Issue: 7 IN THIS BULLETIN HIGHLIGHTS: One year after shocking terrorist attack, Pakistan’s peaks 02 English News 2-15 bereft of foreign climbers Spotlight: From the rabab strings to stardom 03 Humanitarian Interventions 16 Youth parliament ideal forum to learn of cultural, ethnic 04 diversity Tourism Profile: District 17-19 World medical tourism congress opens in Taipei 04 Lok Virsa to document GB’s indigenous folk culture 04 Multan Sikh heritage sites in Pakistan in ‘poor shape’ 05 In Malaysia, I visited a mosque – In Pakistan, I can’t 05 Maps 20,22,24 IHC restrains govt from direct appointments in 28 PSEs 06 Tourist arrivals up in Nepal 06 Articles 21,23 Tourist information centres to be set up for Sikh Yatrees 07 Gala celebrates Pakistani culture 07 Chinese Tourist kidnapped near Dera Ismail Khan 07 Urdu News 25-27 First Pakistani expedition takes off for K2 08 PTDC offers lucrative package for Ramazan 08 Tourism Directory 28-32 PTDC ensures comprehensive security plan for domestic 09 and foreign tourists

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One year after shocking FAIRY MEADOWS, Pakistan — For more than five decades, locals have called it “Killer terrorist attack, Pakistan’s Mountain,” a reminder of the risks of trying to scale beautiful, snow-topped Nanga Parbat. More than 100 climbers and porters have died on the steep, rocky ascent up the world’s ninth-highest peaks bereft of foreign mountain — a fact Pakistan once touted in a bid to lure thrill-seekers. Now, however, local climbers residents are frantically trying to scrub the word “killer” from a mountain that has become a symbol The Washington Post of the threat posed by the Pakistani Taliban. One year ago this month, about a dozen heavily June 29, 2014 armed Pakistani Taliban militants executed 10 foreign mountain climbers, including a U.S. citizen, at the base of the mountain. It was one of the worst acts of violence to strike the international climbing community. Terrorism is hardly unusual in Pakistan; at least 3,000 people died last year alone in the country in violence attributed to Islamist extremists. But the attack at Nanga Parbat was a major blow, horrifying citizens who view the majestic northern mountains as a source of national pride. “As a Pakistani, I look at it as our Sept. 11,” said Nazir Sabir, who in 2000 became the first Pakistani to climb Mount Everest in Nepal. He now operates an Islamabad-based tour company. “We never, never, ever thought that this could happen.” The attack also crushed the remnants of Pakistan’s international tourism industry, creating new hardship in a part of the country known for its tolerance and hospitality. The loss of foreign climbers was so distressing that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif cited it as one reason he ordered a military offensive against the Pakistani Taliban in North Waziristan this month. Pakistan is home to five of the world’s 14 highest peaks, including K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. Nanga Parbat, at 26,660 feet, is Pakistan’s second-highest mountain. After the attack, the number of foreign mountain climbers collapsed. “It may take years and years before they will consider going back to a place like Pakistan,” said Steve Swenson, past president of the American Alpine Club, who has been on 11 climbing expeditions in Pakistan over the past three decades. “I talked to a lot of people, even fairly knowledgeable people, about going there again, and their immediate response is: Is it safe? And then a not-unusual response is: Are you crazy?” ‘This is the day we take revenge’ According to local officials and residents, the Pakistani Taliban attackers hiked through the wilderness for three days to reach the base camp on the western side of the mountain, known as the Diamir Face, late on June 22, 2013. “Taliban! Al-Qaeda! Surrender!” the militants shouted as they marched into the camp, where the climbers and about three dozen porters slept. The assailants went looking for foreigners, slashing more than 40 tents with knives. They yanked people from their tents — one Lithuanian, three Ukrainians, two Slovakians, two Chinese, one American and one Nepali — tied their hands behind their backs and made them kneel in a row in the moonlight. “Then, suddenly, we a heard a shot,” said one 31-year-old Pakistani climber, who was tied up by the militants nearby. He spoke on the condition of anonymity because he continues to fear for his safety. “Then we heard hundreds of ‘brrr, brrr, brrr’ sounds,” like an automatic weapon might make, he said. “Then a leader of the group came and shot all the dead bodies one by one again.” One militant then shouted, “This is the day we take revenge for Osama bin Laden,” the man recounted — an apparent reference to the United States’ killing of the al-Qaeda leader in Pakistan two years earlier. Only one foreign climber — a Chinese man who hid in a steep trench clutching a pickax — survived. The attackers also killed a Pakistani cook, apparently because he was Shiite. Pakistani police later arrested six people who reportedly confessed to the crime. Tourist industry collapses Before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, hundreds of thousands of tourists traveled each year to Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan district, where the Himalayan, Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountain ranges meet. There were 20,000 tourists in northern Pakistan on the day of the attacks on New York and the Pentagon alone, but afterward the country was lucky to attract half that number in an entire year, said Tayyab Nisar Mir, a manager at the Pakistan Tourism Development Corp. Those who did come were almost exclusively mountain climbers and long-distance backpackers determined to explore some of the world’s most picturesque scenery. Although there were about 150 climbing expeditions a year in the country in the 1980s and 1990s, and about 75 annually after 9/11, only about 30 are likely to occur this year, officials said. And no climbers are expected this summer at Nanga Parbat. (At least two climbers made an unsuccessful attempt this past winter; no one has made it to the peak of Nanga Parbat or K2 in the winter). The number of backpackers has declined even more dramatically, Mir said. “Nanga Parbat was the last nail in the coffin of tourism in Pakistan,” he said, adding that the loss of tourism is costing the country $100 million annually. Officials in Gilgit-Baltistan stress that the massacre was an isolated tragedy. They have been going to great lengths to reassure visitors that the region is safe. On a pull-off spot overlooking Nanga Parbat on the Karakoram Highway, a sign once read, “Look to your Left: Killer Mountain.” But Qaria Amin, 33, who operates a gem store at the spot, said that a month after the massacre, a police officer made him paint over the word “killer.” The sign now reads, “Look to your Left: Mountain.” Amin says he is lucky if he makes a $100 a week now, compared with the $100 a day he used to bring in selling rubies, topazes and emeralds collected from the nearby hills. At Fairy Meadows, a village that overlooks the northwest face of Nanga Parbat and the Raikot glacier, the tourism industry has “collapsed, causing hopelessness,” said Raji Rehmal, a resident. The village of about 50 extended families is so remote that there are few other economic opportunities. To get there, visitors travel an hour by jeep up what locals call “the world’s most dangerous road,” a lane so narrow that vehicles’ tires are inches from the ledge. The road ends at an elevation of about 8,200 feet, and visitors then must hike to the village, elevation 11,154 feet. Rehmal, who estimates that he is 50 years old, says he has walked at least 13,000 miles working as a guide or porter for foreigners. His work helped pay for the construction of a school for the

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village. A foreign climber came up with the name Fairy Meadows in the 1950s because the grassy plateau reminded him of a fairy tale, according to tour operators. “In the good days, there were doctors who used to bring medicine, and Westerners who used to linger longer just to teach the local kids,” Rehmal said. “We would never, ever think of harming any tourist, any foreigner.” Pakistani hikers in the area also said they miss the foreign visitors. “We have so little to be proud of, so if there is something as impressive as this, and foreigners come praise it, it’s a psychological lift,” said Nashreem Ghori, a 41-year-old Karachi native who was hiking near Fairy Meadows. ‘Sooner or later, the people will come back’ There has also been a steep decline in the tourism business in the Hunza Valley, an oasis of cherry and apricot trees wedged between imposing snow- covered mountains. The area is one of several Himalayan- locations that have been mentioned as the possible inspiration for the mythical Shangri-La in James Hilton’s 1933 novel, “Lost Horizon.” “Here, we have nice weather, nice mountains, nice people, but tourists are not coming, ” said Mohammad Karim, 34, a guide who also runs a camping store in Karimabad, a town in the valley. Ghulam Nabi, owner of a campground at Fairy Meadows, said he fears that residents may resort to mining or logging to try to earn a living if the tourists stay away.“The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have learned a lot from Western people,” Nabi said. “We were taught how to protect the environment, and how to balance tourism and nature.” Authorities now assign an armed police officer to any foreigner who wants to go hiking near Nanga Parbat. Pakistanis are hopeful that such measures, and the stunning scenery, will eventually draw back tourists. “Those mountains are not going anywhere,” said Iqbal Walji, a Pakistani tour operator. “Sooner or later the people will come back, because it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth. Spotlight: From the rabab “Khumariyaan is a derivative of the word khumaar (intoxication). The source could be anything — strings to stardom music, spiritualism, wine, love, drugs or even good food. We strive to have the same effect, if you DAWN.com will, with our music,” said the Peshawar-based band Khumariyaan. “And hence the name.” The June 29, 2014 band has quietly and surely built a cult following in Pakistan. Their popularity extends well beyond their province, as they are regularly invited on tours to perform at colleges, music festivals and so on. Soon, they will be travelling to the United States as a part of the State Department’s cultural diplomacy programme, Center Stage. Through their music, which includes improvisations of well- known traditional Pashtun compositions from both Afghanistan and Pakistan, they seek to revive an interest in their cultural music and entertain audiences in the process. “We believe ours is a deeply meditative and intensely personal interpretation of traditional Pashtun music designed to relax and open new doors of realisation and understanding for our listeners,” said Khumariyaan. “There is a lot of room for improvisation and creativity in our music,” they continued. “No two performances are ever alike. Our mood, the venue, audience, socio-cultural milieu and many other factors contribute to the uniqueness of each one of our performances.” The band is composed of Farhan Bogra (rabab), Shiraz Khan (zerbaghali), Aamer Shafiq (rhythm guitars and vocals) and Sparley Rawail (also on guitars). Rawail teaches at the National College of Arts (NCA). Bogra works for the Institute for Preservation of Arts and Culture and Crafts (IPAC). Shafiq has a promising career in disaster management and the baby of the group, Khan, holds a full-time job and is also studying for a Master’s degree. “We stay busy and, consequently, out of trouble,” laughed the band. Both Bogra and Khan play traditional Pashtun instruments that are deeply symbolic of their culture. Bogra plays a version of the rabab often referred to as ‘Kabuli’ rabab. He ended up in possession of one by accident. A friend bought a rabab, much to the displeasure of his father who did not approve of his son learning what he considered as an “old- fashioned instrument not appropriate for the scions of Pakistani bourgeoisie,” related the band. His friend eventually handed the rabab over to Bogra who then taught himself to play it. The other ‘Pashtun’ instrument is the zerbaghali. It is similar to another African percussion instrument, the djembe. It’s shaped like a wine goblet and traditionally made out of clay. In recent times, the wooden version of the zerbaghali has gained popularity among musicians as w “We picked the instrument primarily for the richness of its sound,” said the band, “There was no other instrument in the region whose sound we found equally interesting. And we don’t think Shiraz Khan would have had it any other way. He is in love with it!” The band’s occasional vocalist and permanent rhythm guitarist, Aamer Shafiq was a well-known musician in Peshawar before the band was formed. “He was known for his skills as a vocalist as well as a guitar player and, in his own opinion, for his good looks!” laughed the band members. Since most of the band’s music is instrumental, “Aamer’s focus has shifted to playing the rhythm guitar, although he continues to enjoy singing whenever he gets an opportunity to perform as a vocalist.” Shafiq is not the only guitarist in the band. According to his band members, Sparley Rawail, who was the last to join the line up, plays his western stringed instrument with a lot of energy, passion and feeling. “He has an uncanny ability to improvise in unison with other band members,” they said. “He was responsible for introducing solo interludes of guitar in our songs and for skillfully incorporating the sound of ghungroos and the dhol in our music. His knowledge of music and musicology has helped develop the maturity of our music.” When not rehearsing or performing, the band enjoys listening to music as diverse as Sigur Rós, Pink Floyd, Bahramji and Maneesh De Moor, Metallica, and Ludovico Einaudi. They are particularly fond of Hamayun Khan’s rabab-playing and Mohsen Chavoshi Hosseini’s (Iran) haunting vocals. “We admit to having a bias towards Afghan, Persian and Pakistani music but truthfully we enjoy music from many regions,” they said. “We are citizens of the world and listen to everything from all over the globe. Music that moves our spirit and soul is the one we all love.” A tale of one city: Peshawar, in the band’s own words “We are aware of Peshawar’s somewhat unfair reputation. Aamer was even once asked if people in Peshawar were ‘allowed’ to wear jeans! “The truth is that the city is quite progressive and modern. It may not be as cosmopolitan as Karachi or as sophisticated as Lahore, but it is

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certainly not as behind-the-times as some believe. Musicians do face difficulties in Peshawar but their problems are similar to the ones they would face in other cities. “It has not been difficult for us to make a name in music. We were born into educated and affluent families that encouraged our interest in music. We were never forced to depend on music to make a living. Had that been the case, life would have been tough. Financial independence has allowed us to pursue music the way we enjoy it, without making any compromises. “There are people who do not like our liberal views and music. They would like to silence us. We get anonymous threats on a regular basis but that comes with the territory. People who love our music and us far outnumber the haters. They keep us going.”ell. Youth parliament ideal Speakers said the youth parliament provided an ideal forum to learn about different ethnicities, forum to learn of cultural, languages and cultures of Pakistan. They were speaking at the launching ceremony of PILDAT’s 6th Youth Parliament Pakistan (YPP). Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan, Danish ethnic diversity Ambassador Jesper Moller Sorensen, YPP patron and former NA deputy speaker Faisal Karim The Express Tribune Kundi, former deputy speaker Wazir Ahmed Jogezai, MNA Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Murad Saeed June 27, 2014 and around 60 young parliamentarians selected from across the country were also present. Through its development assistance, the government of Denmark has been supporting PILDAT’s Youth Parliament Programme since 2010 with the aim to promote democracy in Pakistan. Dastgir said democracy was an understanding with the citizens to take them along towards greater public good. He said the first lesson he learnt in parliament was that there exist other perspectives and prisms on Pakistan other than those coming from Punjab. He hoped that this lesson will be learnt by the young parliamentarians as well. He said that it was a tremendous privilege to represent fellow citizens in the parliament. “This privilege should not be maligned,” he said, adding that in public service, good intentions alone are not sufficient, but a consistent effort was required both in making reforms and taking people along. The Danish ambassador said that the YPP aimed to provide the young members with numerous opportunities to understand, to engage in and also to question the process of democracy. Sorensen said, “Democracy starts when we learn to listen to others and give space to opinions which may differ from ours. And this is more important than ever, as the global economy is connecting us more than ever”. “The future is always somewhat uncertain — but what is certain to me is that it will be the young people of Pakistan who determine what the future will be,” he said. He also encouraged the young parliamentarians to get the most out of the programme to the benefit of their country. “I am strongly convinced that you cannot talk about democracy or civil empowerment without engaging the youth. This program is therefore a great opportunity for you to learn about civic responsibility, team work, tolerance and respect for other people’s opinion.” Kundi thanked the Danish embassy for providing support to the initiative. Khawaja advised the youth parliamentarians to strive to achieve integrity in public life. Saeed congratulated the members on their selection and advised them to use the opportunity of learning and leadership skills to the fullest. PILDAT President Ahmed Bilal Mehboob said that the organisation has completed five cycles of YPPs in seven years. “The 6th YPP marks a new phase in the life of the institution and a record 2,000 expressions of interest were received for this batch.” Mehboob said that Pakistan needed to strengthen its democratic institutions and inculcate democratic culture in the society. “We need to discourage extremist tendencies and lack of tolerance for others’ beliefs and views and strengthen the rule of law.” The 6th YPP will have an enhanced role as the youth standing committee will focus on reviewing critical policy issues with developing cogent policy alternatives for the Parliament and the government of Pakistan. World medical tourism TAIPEI, JUNE 26 (CNA): The World Medical Tourism Congress opened Thursday in Taipei, the congress opens in Taipei first time it has been held in Taiwan, to discuss a variety of healthcare issues and showcase Focus Taiwan News Channel Taiwan's development in medical services. The two-day congress attracted more than 400 June 26, 2014 participants, including 100 from Japan, China, India, Singapore, Thailand, Nigeria and Pakistan, according to the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), which co-organized the event with the U.S.-based Medical Tourism Association. The congress has also invited 20 speakers from around the globe who will deliver keynote speeches on topics related to advanced technologies in medical services, innovation in healthcare and international healthcare clusters. "The advanced medical technologies and high-quality medical services available in Taiwan have been recognized internationally for many years," TAITRA President and CEO Peter Huang said during his opening remarks at the congress. "We believe that Taiwan's medical services will play an important role on the global stage in the near future," he said. "With the establishment of five international medical service liaison centers at Taiwan's major airports, coupled with other endeavors, we are determined to make Taiwan's medical services an international brand." Renee- Marie Stephano, president of the Medical Tourism Association, said Taiwan has become one of the major players in medical tourism in Asia. In 2013, Taiwan hosted more than 200,000 foreign travelers seeking medical tourism treatment, and the country's medical tourism industry is expected to reach NT$13 billion (US$434 million) this year, Stephano forecast. "The impact of new facilities, along with loosening of restrictions on both sides of the (Taiwan) Strait have also created the perfect conditions to extend medical tourism opportunities to our neighboring friends on the mainland," Stephano said. "Taiwanese hospitals are poised to benefit from cross-strait economic, education and research, and medical tourism traveler exchanges," she added. Lok Virsa to document GILGIT: Lok Virsa has sent a team of professionals to Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) to document and GB’s indigenous folk preserve its indigenous folk culture. The initiative has been launched by the new management — headed by Shahera Shahid – of the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, popularly culture known as Lok Virsa.Based in the federal capital, Lok Virsa focuses on research, collection, The Dardistan Times documentation, preservation and dissemination of Pakistan’s traditional culture, including tangible May 25, 2014 and intangible heritage. “The purpose of the mission (in G-B) is to document and preserve indigenous folk culture with special reference to the authentication of existing craftspeople,

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besides exploring new talent of artisans in various craft areas,” Lok Virsa Deputy Director Anwaarul Haq told The Express Tribune on Tuesday. “We have done interviews in Gilgit and Skardu and have made audio and video documentation to showcase skills of traditional practitioners,” said Haq, who is also part of the team. The remaining districts, including Ghanche, Hunza-Nagar, Diamer and Astor, will be covered by Saturday. The team will also collect ethnological artefacts from G-B to display them at the Pakistan National Museum of Ethnology (Heritage Museum) in Islamabad. Initiating the project, the Lok Virsa team met the chief minister’s tourism and culture adviser Sadia Danish in Gilgit. The adviser proposed joint projects with G-B. “A proposal to hold a folk festival to promote arts, crafts, culture, folk music and traditional cuisine of all provinces also came under discussion. We agreed it will be held either in G-B or Islamabad,” he said, adding he was pleased to see individuals volunteering to help Lok Virsa in its ongoing efforts. Sikh heritage sites in Amritsar, Punjab: After his visit to Pakistan recently, UK-based Sikh historian Bobby Singh Bansal Pakistan in ‘poor shape’ feels though Pakistan has several forts and palaces dating back to Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s era, SikhSangat News there was a dire need to restore and preserve these for the coming generations and to sensitise June 24, 2014 Pakistanis about their significance. Talking to The Tribune here, Bansal said he had visit ed Pakistan to gather information for his book titled “Remnants of the Sikh Empire — Historical Sikh Monuments in Pakistan and India”. The book would be a catalogue of Sikh monuments connected with Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s courtiers. It deals with forts, havelis and palaces that still stand in Pakistan although some are on the verge of collapsing. These include rare forts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa associated with General Hari Singh Nalwa, he claimed. He said he had visited two of these forts, Bara Fort and Jamrud Fort. Bansal, who also visited Sheikhupura Fort where Rani Raj Kaur, the Maharaja’s first wife resided, was disappointed to find it in a shambles. “The fort showcases the Sikh architecture at its best. The queen lived at the fort until her death in 1838. Sadly, the fort has been partially damaged. A section of the outer portion, especially the arched entrance, has collapsed.” He said it was a structure comprising three floors with an elevation of 16 metres. Though a protected monument, numerous graffitis had tarnished the rare frescoes. The walls were embellished with colourful artwork depicting scenes of the Sikh court and Hindu deities. Bansal said various heritage structures associated with Maharaja Ranjit Singh era were vandalised in Pakistan after the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992. A few were restored later. He said there was a need to sensitise the people in Pakistan about the heritage. He emphasised the need to open the doors of museums and heritage buildings for Indian pilgrims visiting Pakistan. He claimed that a number of heritage structures in Pakistan had been seized by the local mafia. On heritage structures in India, Bansal said he was not happy. He referred to the “baradari” of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Pul Kanjari village near Attari which is in a poor state. Monumental neglect Various heritage structures associated with the Maharaja Ranjit Singh era were vandalised after the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992 A few were restored later to some extent Neglected sites Bara Fort and Jamrud Fort in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa associated with General Hari Singh Nalwa Sheikhupura Fort where Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s first wife resided till her death in 1838 In Malaysia, I visited a I am a Pakistani, but the first time I visited a mosque comfortably was in Malaysia. I was able to mosque – In Pakistan, I appreciate the house of worship without once feeling like an outsider, something I have never been able to do while living in Pakistan. As a non-Muslim tourist in an Islamic country I felt can’t liberated to reveal my identity to everyone, and I consciously did so just to relive that feeling again The Express Tribune (blog) and again before I returned home. In Malaysia, however, it is not until one utters ‘Assalamu June 23, 2014 alaikum’ can you gauge if they are Muslim. Although over 61.3% of the populations are Muslims by law, the country has opted for a conscious uncoupling of religion from culture. With private and public lives clearly demarcated, nobody talks, dresses, breathes and broadcasts their faith in public. And it’s the country’s pulsating diversity of cultures that has become its asset for tourism. While living in Pakistan, it is hard to even envision the peaceful coexistence of Hindus and Muslims, in Malaysia it is a palpable reality. The country celebrates a number of major Hindu festivals each year and the festival of Thaipusam, the biggest after Deepavali, is actually a huge spectacle for which scores of Hindus fly in from around the world; this example of harmony is not evident on only a few occasions, it is intricately woven into the very fabric of society. The annual ‘Colours of Malaysia’ festival, popularly known as Citrawarna, is a platform where different ethnic groups in the country come together to celebrate their unique culture with dance and music. And their display of solidarity is so overwhelming it can actually put any Pakistani to shame. Let alone a united Pakistan, can you, on your own, even imagine women participating in a dance parade dressed in a sari or shalwar kameez or a skirt in Pakistan? But in Malaysia you can dress however you want without attracting any unwanted attention. You can go to a club and have a drink and nobody will judge or harass you because they respect the fact that everyone has a different set of beliefs and no one set of beliefs is better or truer than another. “A bubbling, bustling melting-pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony,” is how the country projects and promotes itself on its official tourism website. It’s not the rainforest in Taman Negara, the sandy beaches in Pahang, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur or other holiday ‘surprises’ with which they attract tourists, but the fact that you can explore the country freely, without having to camouflage yourself in the hues of a particular race, religion or caste. And the allure of multiculturalism is propelling the tourism market in the right direction as the country celebrates

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‘Visit Malaysia Year 2014’ that is expected to boost their GDP by 6.8% to MYR168.9bn as reported by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). An industry which, if Pakistan does choose to give serious thought to, can hypothetically help reduce dependency on foreign assistance to a considerable extent. For the sake of many traditionalists who might argue that beneath Malaysia’s glittering ‘facade’ is a growing wave of disconnect from its Islamic roots and other Islamic nations, the country openly endorses itself as ‘Muslim-friendly’ holiday destination. An estimated 4.3 million Muslim tourists visited the country in 2013, and approximately six million more will be paying a visit this year, as pointed out Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, during a seminar in February. In fact, many non-Muslims who visit the country return home with spiritual enlightenment. At the Putra mosque, in Putrajaya, the tour guide claimed that some revisit Malaysia to convert to Islam, and this year, for the first time, a marriage ceremony will be performed at the mosque for one of the converts. Pakistan has a lot to learn from Malaysia’s cultural mosaic that has not only catapulted tourism in the country but also cemented its status worldwide as a Muslim-majority nation with a progressive outlook. And while we may still be light years away from mirroring Malaysia’s model for peace and tourism, I guess there is no harm in at least talking about the possibility of it for now. IHC restrains govt from ISLAMABAD - In a major blow to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), the Islamabad High direct appointments in 28 Court (IHC) Friday restrained the government from making direct appointments in 28 public sector enterprises (PSEs). Such appointments in the past were made on the whims of political masters PSEs who had ignored the directives of the apex court. A single bench of IHC comprising Justice The Nation Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui issued these directions on a petition of Barrister M Dawood Ghazanavi who June 21, 2014 had moved the court in this matter and challenged a notification of the federal government according to which about 28 public sector bodies were excluded from the purview of federal commission for selection of heads of public sector organisations (FCSHPSO). Justice Siddiqui noted in his verdict, “At the very outset learned counsel for the respondents Hafiz SA Rehman Advocate submits that he contacted the federal law division who intends to approach the Supreme Court of Pakistan for seeking appropriate order/clarification with regard to judgement passed in Khawaja Muhammad Asif case of 2013. Therefore, instant writ petition may be disposed of.” The judge further wrote, “The request is reasonable, hence instant writ petition is disposed of for the time being. However, the respondents are restrained from being taken any conclusive step in pursuance of impugned notification.” Talking to The Nation, M Dawood Ghazanavi who had moved the court in this matter said that he contended before the court that his fundamental rights have been infringed upon through exclusion of some 28 public sector organizations from the purview of FCSHPSO. He informed that these excluded organisations included National Insurance Company Limited, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company, PIA, SECP, Competition Commission of Pakistan, ENAR Patrotech Services Private Limited, Pakistan Re-insurance Corporation, Pakistan Agriculture Storage & Services Corporation, National Construction Limited, Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation, Pakistan Steel Mills, National Fertilizer Corporation, State Engineering Corporation, National Fertilizer Corporation, Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan, National Fertilizer Marketing Limited, Pakistan Television Corporation, Pakistan Software Export Board, Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation, Telephone Industries of Pakistan, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, Pakistan State Oil Ltd, Lakhra Coal Development Company, OGDCL, National Refinery Limited, Pak Arab Refinery Company, Sui Northern Gas Company Limited, Thar Coal Mining Company, Sui Southern Gas Company Limited and Railway Construction Pakistan Limited, National Power Construction Private Limited, National Engineering Services of Pakistan and National Transmission and dispatch Company. Ghazanavi informed that the notification of government dated January 13 in this regard says, “In exercise of powers conferred in terms of para 07 of the establishment division notification dated July 22, 2013 and with approval of the prime minister, on exclusion of public sector companies registered with Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under the Companies Ordinance 1984, the schedule to ED’s aforementioned notification is revised.” The lawyer told the court that FCSHPSO is a completely independent federal body made in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the judgement of Khawaja Muhammad Asif case to ensure transparency in the appointments of heads of statutory bodies, autonomous and semi- autonomous bodies, regulatory authorities and organisations established by or under the control of federal government. He was of the view that in recent times the appointments of blue-eyed persons in the public sector organisations have caused huge loss to the national exchequer. “For the prevention of such things to happen, FCSHPSO was established in the light of Supreme Court orders,” maintained the petitioner. He argued that exclusion of these public sector bodies would affect the general public as both the institutions directly related to the economic life of the country. Therefore, the petitioner had prayed to the court to set aside the notification. Tourist arrivals up in KATHMANDU: Nepal's overall tourist arrivals by air have increased by six per cent to 51,105 in Nepal May 2014 as compared to the same period last year but the number of Indian visitors decreased Zee News by seven per cent to 18,720, according to official figures released today. During the period, Nepal June 20, 2014 witnessed increase in number of tourist arrivals from other South Asian countries, namely, Bangladesh by 49 per cent, Sri Lanka by 34 per cent and Pakistan by 26 per cent, according to a data released by Nepal Tourism Board. However, arrivals from China, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea witnessed increments of 96 per cent, 108.75 per cent, 73.7 and 76 per cent respectively. European market grew by 4.68 per cent while tourist arrivals from USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have increased by 34 per cent 17 per cent, 36 per cent and 34 per cent respectively. Tourist arrivals from USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have increased by 24.50 per cent, 24.20 per cent, 35.43 per cent and 13.74 per cent respectively. However, in the month of April, the overall tourist arrival by air grew by a whopping 25.68 per cent to 68,018. In

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April, a total of 12,871 Indian tourists visited Nepal by air. Tourist information LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to set up four Tourists Information Centres (TICs) centres to be set up for for facilitation of Sikh devotees coming to Pakistan for “Yatra” of their religious shrines spread over the province. These TICs will be set up near Wagah, Ganda Singh Wala and Sulemanki Border Sikh Yatrees while another TIC will be established in Nankana Sahab, the “Janam Asthan of Guru Nanak Jee,” The News International a spiritual leader of the Sikh community. This was disclosed by the Punjab Minister for Education June 18, 2014 and Tourism, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan while presiding over a meeting to review ongoing reforms process in the tourism sector, at P&D Secretariat on Tuesday. Rana Mashhood Ahmed informed the meeting that six kanals of government land was available with the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab near the Wagah Border which would be developed into a facilitation centre for Sikh Yatrees. He said ‘TDCP will establish a resort in Nankana Sahab which will be built over 15 kanals of land and will have food courts, play area and cultural centre also.’ The minister directed the TDCP Managing Director Javed Akhtar Mehmood to prepare feasibility report for establishing the headquarters of Tourism Department in Johar Town, Lahore. This new building will be erected in four kanal area owned by the TDCP. The headquarters will be equipped with skilled human resource and state-of-the-art model tourism complex having marketing units with info-material, data bank, guiding maps and other online facilitation systems. Rana Mashhood directed to expand Punjab Tourism Advisory Council by adding the representatives of Trade Development Authority, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry besides inducting three representatives of Tour Operators, two representatives of Travel Agents Association of Pakistan, one representative each from Hospitality Association and Gurudawara Parbandhak Committee while eminent tourism writers should also be co-opted in the Advisory Council, the minister added. He lauded the vision of the chief minister for enhancing the budgetary allocations for tourism development sector up to the tune of 86 percent increase in total. He hinted at plying luxury bus service from Lahore to Murree which would help facilitate international tourism by showing the unique diversity of traditional culture of the Punjab. He stressed the need for holding seminars and symposia regarding religious tourism so that the culture of intolerance could be vanished and significance of promoting the culture of peaceful co-existence could be highlighted. Member Provincial Assembly Ms Tahia Noon, Vice Chairman TDCP Imran Goraya, Chairman P&D Board Irfan Elahi, Secretary Tourism, Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab, Muhammad Khan Khichi apprised the Minister about development projects of the provincial government to promote both domestic as well as international tourism in general and the religious tourism in particular. Various Sikh Yatrees accompanied by the local Sikh religious leader Sardar Sham Singh and other members of Gurudawara Parbandhak committee also attended the meeting. Raashid Bin Masud, Zulfiqar Ahmed, Sabina Ahmed, Maryam Raheem and other tour managers were also present on the occasion. Gala celebrates Pakistani LAHORE (PR): Gala Biscuits, a leading brand of Continental Biscuits Ltd., recently launched the culture Gala anthem, composed by Shuja Haider and voiced by Shafqat Amanat Ali. Through this iconic The Nation song, Gala wants Pakistanis to let go of their differences and embrace the similarities to come June 18, 2014 together as one nation. Gala is the first biscuit brand to create a song for the people of Pakistan. The anthem depicts a unified Pakistan where everyone celebrates the fragrance of their homeland and rivers of Pakistan, adding their own colours to the spectacle. The anthem is sung major regional spoken languages of Pakistan to reach out to different audiences, and explain the significance behind having such a diverse nation. The Gala anthem describes the beauty of each language and encourages Pakistani’s to celebrate diversity by accepting differences and uniting against all divisions. Mustafa Hanif, Brand Manager Gala said, “Through the lyrics of the anthem, Gala, a ‘Proud to be Pakistani’ brand shows Pakistanis that despite different dialects, we are all one. We launched this anthem with an aim – all Pakistani’s should embrace differences, different languages, different cultures, and different lives and should instead celebrate the diversity in Pakistan. The Gala anthem encourages Pakistani’s of all cultures and backgrounds, to spread love, compassion and happiness rather than distancing ourselves from each other. We hope to reach out to Pakistanis from all walks of life, and we urge them to recognize and value the richness in our culture.” Chinese Tourist kidnapped KARACHI: Swiss Journalist turned ethnomusicologist Thomas Burhalter has come to Pakistan in near DI Khan search of experimental music and his interest is not only restricted to qawwali. Having a post The Express Tribune doctorate in Global Niches — Music in a Transnational World, Burkhalter interacted with local June 17, 2014 musicians to understand the genesis of this part of the world’s music and what they are doing with their incredibly rich heritage. Most of the music produced in the Middle East and Africa has western influences, however, Burkhalter believes that Pakistanis are proud of their heritage and have their own genre of music. “Most of the music produced here is quite indigenous and I am not talking about Sufi music,” he says, pointing at ventures like Coke Studio. “They think that to be modern is to be western. I don’t think they should think like this. One should follow their own creativity, but be self-critical.” Over the past few years, Pakistan has exported many musicians and their music has revolved around Sufism. While some artistes have genuinely worked to take the Sufi kalaam forward, the others have simply capitalised on the West’s thirst for the Sufi thought, which has eventually given Pakistani artistes a collective identity of Sufi musicians. “The media portrays Pakistan in a negative light; people think that it is a dangerous and extremely religious country. As a result, they take Sufi music as Pakistan’s form of religious music,” says Burkhalter. For him, identity matters, but that never impedes a musician’s broad vision. That drive is persistent within Pakistani artistes, who he considers to be just as experimental as Europeans. “There is little investment and fewer opportunities, which is why talented people never get a bigger audience. You will see that there is

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no concert culture in Pakistan, but in Europe there would be almost five to six concerts running at the same time,” says Burkhalter. In a week, Burkhalter has met artistes like Ali Gul Pir, Rohail Hyatt and Usman Riaz. He watched movies with them, visited their recording sessions and went instrument shopping to Saddar. He is doing this to add more value to the features for his own online magazine, norient.com. Referring to Ali Gul Pir’s style of music, he says that protest through parody is a great strategy to engage a bigger audience. “The usage of metaphors and lyrics for protests requires a lot of courage and you only see it in the east — this is music with a message.” He enjoyed watching Usman Riaz’s short movies Waves and Ruckus and called them “high-quality work”. He also met Waqas Abbas, the man starting a Pakistani version of iTunes. “Some people make music to sell, which ends up making it a product and not art.” For him, Coke Studio was the kind that sells and is also very creative. “The world is full of sounds, why not use all different sounds around us,” he says. “I am interested in art, whatever it is, the way it’s created, the process of making that art and how people experiment,” says Burkhalter, “ After all, music is not all about the lyrics,” he replies. Burkhalter feels that the music industry in Pakistan has a lot of potential to grow. There will come a time when he would visit again and see more new bands emerging and actually get some recognition. “You never know, maybe one day musicians will take over the world.” First Pakistani expedition SKARDU: The first-ever expedition of Pakistani mountaineers to summit K2 peak received an takes off for K2 overwhelming reception from the local authorities, tourist organisations and foreign mountaineers DAWN.com at a send-off ceremony held here the other day. The ceremony was arranged by the Central June 16, 2014 Karakoram National Park (CKNP) and the Gilgit-baltistan tourism department with the support of the Ev-K2-CNR at a local hotel, said a press release issued here. GB minister Shaikh Nisar Hussain Sarbaaz was the chief guest on the occasion while the speakers included Italian mountaineering expert Murizio Gallo, deputy commissioner Raja Faisal Khaliq, CKNP director Raja Abid Ali, mountaineer Hassan Sadpara, mountaineering trainer and president Baltistan Association of Tour Operators (Bato) Mohammad Iqbal, president Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (Pato) Amjad Ayub, Pakistan K2 Expedition team Leader Mohammad Taqi, and expedition focal persons Munir Ahmed and Arif Hussain. The GB minister while speaking on the occasion said that our mountains were the best for adventure tourism and mountaineering and added that the region was very peaceful and hospitable for domestic and foreign guests. Murizio Gallo mentioned that the team was competent enough to scale the K2 peak if something harsh would not happen. “All the mountaineers are very enthusiastic and well aware of the harsh behaviour of the mountains,” Mr Gallo said and added they had the requisite skills and techniques to handle any untoward situation. Two Italian mountaineering ambassadors Michele Cucchi and Simone Origone, world champion in speed skiing, would be available to the Pakistani expedition for technical support and assistance in the hour of need. Director CKNP Raja Abid Ali said we had several opportunities of tourism in park that were being developed with the support of Italian government. This expedition would mainstream CKNP and Pakistan at national and international level. Bato President Mohammad Iqbal was very happy to see the porters becoming the mountaineers. “I trained them as porters and to climb initially, now the Italian mountaineering experts have equipped them with skills and techniques to climb the harshest mountain – the K2. I believe in their skills and with the mercy of God they would be successful.” President Pato Amjad Ayub urged the government to take steps to promote and mainstream internationally the mountaineering and adventure tourism. PTDC offers lucrative ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tourism Development Cooperation (PTDC) has announced a package for Ramazan lucrative package for tourists offering 50 per cent discount for staying in its motels and hotels Pakistan Observer during the holy month of Ramazan. PTDC’s General Manager Motels Sheikh Fayyaz Ahmed told June 16, 2014 APP Sunday that the offer was valid for its facilities in Ayubia, Naran, Saidu Sharif, Miandam,Chitral, Bamburet (Kalash Valley), Mastuj, Phandar, Gupis, Gilgit, Hunza, Sost (Pak- China border), Rama Lake, Skardu, Khaplu and Besham resorts. “Tourist traffic to Murree, Galiyat, Ayubia, Kaghan and Swat Valley was considerably increased in 2011 and 2012, now destinations like Gilgit, Hunza, Fairy Meadows, Rama Lake, Chitral, Kalash and Shandur valleys are also being frequested,” he added. He said, “The corporation has started a bus service for Naran to facilitate the people, who want to enjoy summer vacation there.”The daily air-conditioned bus service for Naran was available at Rawalpindi, he added. “Miandam, Bahrain and Kalam are also the favourite destinations for tourists visiting Swat Valley,” Fayyaz added. Hill areas of Murree, Bhurban, Patriata, Ayubia and Nathiagali provided delightful summer treat to the visitors, he added. The PTDC Genaral Manager said Pakistan was already providing visa-on-arrival facility to the tourist groups from 24 countries. “The PTDC is providing tourism services for foreign and local tourists through its information centres, publicity and promotion department,hotels, motels and tours and transport subsidiaries,” he added.—APP A cultural display Lahore is the cultural heart of Pakistan as it gathers most of the arts, cuisine, festivals, film- Pakistan Today making, music, gardening and intelligentsia of the country. This spring the city is decorated by June 14, 2014 beautiful lights and colours. The Lahore Branch Canal was constructed by the Mughals and upgraded during the British Raj. This canal is surrounded by the roads form both sides and each side is called Canal Bank Road. Canal Bank Road passes through a variety of localities including farmland (from Khaira to Mughalpura) and some of Lahore’s older and most expensive residential areas including Garden Town, Gulberg, Shah Jamal and Zaman Park. Punjab University’s Quaid-i- Azam Campus is also located alongside Canal Bank Road; the hostels and faculty departments afford scenic views of the canal. Canal holds importance in the culture of Lahore. Relevant to the festivals, on the local and national events such as Eid, Basant, Pakistan Day, Jashan-e-Baharn, Independence Day etc, the canal is decorated with different lights and other objects. On these occasions the canal presents a view worth watching that delights the hearts of the viewers. This

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year the canal in Lahore was beautifully decorated with different art pieces and historical monument to welcome Spring in the city. Masjid Wazir Khan, Bab-e-Azaadi, Quaid tomb and many other models of important buildings were on display. Models depicting a man and monkey, various animals, peacock, and women using charkha and others were in display. The poor people come to canal for their refreshment along with their families. Children especially are found to enjoy this colorful exhibition of history and culture. The canal is an essential part of Lahore’s historical and cultural identity. The government should encourage such cultural activities not only to enjoy but also to promote the culture. These types of activities encourage people to like their culture. PTDC ensures ISLAMABAD: Managing Director (MD) Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), comprehensive security Chaudhry Kabir Ahmad Khan said Friday that a comprehensive security plan has been made to promote the sense of protection among the domestic and foreign tourists. In an exclusive interview plan for domestic and to APP, the Managing Director (MD) PMDC said that on the directions of the Prime Minister, foreign tourists PTDC has decided to initiate certain steps to facilitate tourists and enhance the revenue Business Recorder generation of the Corporation by taking initiatives of security provision. "The step will help make June 13, 2014 the PTDC a self-sustaining organisation" he added. Ch Kabir Ahmad Khan said that despite the unfortunate attack at Nanga Parbat base camp, more than 25 per cent increase in tourism was witnessed. He also stated that PTDC has re-launched its summer tour packages and announced special rates for hotels, motels and resorts situated in the most tourist-attractive places in the country. He added that PTDC has also started bus services, escorted with armed guards, to Naran. "Despite the negative media projection by the international media, PTDC achieved its targets to promote domestic tourism from March to June", Kabir added. He said that PTDC has increased security at all resorts including Murree, Galiyat, Ayubia, Kaghan, Swat Chitral, Kalash, Shandur. "Elaborate measures were being taken to provide security to the foreign tourists visiting different parts of the country" he added. Kabir Ahmed Khan further informed that current government was making earnest efforts to promote tourism sector and to reinstate the soft image of the country across the globe. Provincial governments and concerned district management was in a close contact with PTDC to ensure the security of the tourists, he said. The MD said in first step PTDC will introduce in near future Tourism Friends Club Card for Overseas Pakistani Tourists. Through this card, PTDC would provide incentives like discount on room rent of PTDC motels and hotels, tour packages and transport services to tourists, he said. About Tourism Friends Club Card, he said, its purpose is to promote tourism activities and provide better facilities to the public as well as national and international tourists, he informed. Kabir further said the purpose of the club is to promote tourism activities and provide better tourist facilities at affordable rates to its members, to upkeep and maintain better standard in motels and hotels of PTDC throughout the country. "A bonafide national or international citizen who could prove his or her identity would be entitled to apply for membership, subject to the conditions determined by the PTDC from time to time" he added. The PTDC MD would be empowered to nominate five card- holders as members of the advisory committee in view of their efforts in connection with promoting tourism, he said. "Other members of the committee will include managing director, deputy managing director, finance director, GM hotels, GM motels, GM PTL and controller finance & accounts (motels)" he added. Ch Kabir Ahmad Khan also announced a special Ramazan package according to which 50% discount would be given to tourists in Northern Areas, while 30% concession would be provided at Naran and Ayubia. The PTDC land at Gaddani Beach in Balochistan would be utilised for launching projects including Beach Resort, outdoor and indoor games, water-sports for couples, which would help Corporation to generate huge income, the MD added. To a query, the PTDC MD regretted that the previous administrator had illegally recruited 706 persons in PTDC against all rules and regulations which caused huge loss to the PTDC. To another question, Ch. Kabir clearly stated that PTDC has not been affected by the 18th Amendment. Only tourism ministries were handed over to the provinces, he added. Religious tourism, a new ISLAMABAD: The Planning Commission (PC) of Pakistan has decided to take up the issue of economic agenda of PC religious tourism, preserving archaeological sites and helping economy by improving tourism. Business Recorder Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Prof. Ahsan Iqbal is set to chair the June 13, 2014 roundtable conference on `Developing Pakistan's Tourism: Religious, Cultural and Ancient Civilizations' on June 18. The conference is organized by Young Development Fellows to highlight the importance of tourism in Pakistan's economy and facilitating religious pilgrims coming to Pakistan. The Conference will be attended by provincial ministers/ secretaries of tourism, several ambassadors and diplomats of relevant countries, development sector organizations, international NGOs, students and private citizens. Young Development Fellows (YDFs) of Planning Commission are organizing these roundtable conferences to highlight the issues concerning development of Pakistan but are neglected somehow. Previously, YDFs have organized two similar conferences on the issue of interfaith harmony and strengthening small and medium enterprise sector. Recommendations presented in the conference are compiled in the form of a report which is distributed in the public sphere as well as used in the public policy formulation. Reviving train culture Pakistan Railways has named a passenger train in Punjab after the revolutionary poet Faiz Ahmad Khaleej Times Faiz. Mr Right thinks the gesture might revolutionise the railways that is facing huge losses due to June 12, 2014 bad management, shortage of engines and reluctance of passengers to travel by trains. “The new government is keen to help the railways regain old glory through a series of corrective measures, including launching of new trains,” he opined. “A train named after the legendary poet will attract the people who love his poetry.” “During the journey, the railways should also make arrangements for showing the best videos of Mehdi Hasan and Madam Noor Jahan reciting the verses of Faiz. This will definitely increase the appeal of Faiz train.” “But the power of poetry is not enough to pull a train, “I interrupted. “We need strong locomotives too.” “I agree, but the trains named after poets and men of letters add a touch of cultural affinity to your journey,” Mr Right commented. “In my

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view, the trains named after our literary greats such as Allama Iqbal and Faiz pose a great challenge to railway authorities to show professional perfection. There is no room for failing locomotives on these trains,” I said. “Well,” Mr Right smiled, “If you want to ensure a hurdle-free and breezy journey, why not name a train after a sports person, a sprinter.” “Actually, I am against naming trains after famous persons,” I said. “Our country has produced only famous people after the Independence, all other necessary things, including oil for locomotives, are imported from abroad. We have plenty of renowned poets, famous sportsmen and great leaders. And we never hesitate to name our roads, bridges and towers after them. But now when the railways are in a loss, we can not afford to launch too many trains to honour them.” “You have a point, but I am happy that despite its shortcomings, the new railway administration is taking steps to make train culture popular in the country once again,” Mr Right said. “The have plans to revive old services, launch new freight trains and make train journey as comfortable and attractive as possible.” “Then they must devise imaginative new schemes to make the railways a profitable entity.” “What do you mean?” Mr Right asked. “The railways cannot start a helicopter service; it has to remain on the ground to serve the people.” “But they can launch trains with a purpose. For example, a ‘power train’ will be a timely thing,” I suggested. “They can set up mobile power plants in railway bogies and take the train to various cities and towns needing additional supply of electricity.” “This is a unique idea, no doubt,” Mr Right said. “But this might spark a battle between the ministry of railways and the ministry of power and natural resources for the possession of the ‘power train’.” “The railways can launch other new trains such as a ‘Medical Express’ to treat patients in far flung areas, a “Folk Culture Train’ to take messages of peace and harmony from one province to the other, and a ‘School Mail’ to spread education in areas where facilities for higher learning are not available,” I said. “The idea is good, but I don’t think these special trains will attract many passengers,” Mr Right argued. “Our people love to join protest meetings and dharnas (sit-ins); they rarely like steps that help things move.” “I know, we are blessed with many leaders who take pride in staging big rallies and blocking roads,” I said. “Currently, one of the leaders has threatened to launch a ‘train march’ or a mobile protest.” “He is not the pioneer of ‘train march’,” Mr Right said. “Many others in the past also have resorted to this type of ‘protest tourism’.” “The authorities should not oppose it,” I said. “Instead, they should introduce special ‘protest trains’ every month to earn additional income for the railways.” “Oh, yes,” Mr Right grinned. “Fare for the ‘protest train’ must be kept high and passengers should be offered excellent lunch and dinner facilities and uninterrupted TV coverage during the journey. And those, who are found indulging in any kind of mischief, should be granted A-class when they finally land in jail.” Over 25 firms to sponsor The embassy of pakistan will host a three-day food and mango festival in riyadh which will be Pakistan's food mango inaugurated on wednesday by muhammad naeem khan ambassador of pakistan. "The commercial section of the embassy is organizing the 3rd food and mango festival this time at festival intercontinental hotel known for its grandeur from jun 11 to 13" said waseem hayat bajwa MENAFN.COM commercial attache at the embassy. "No doubt it is another feather in the cap of our respectable June 12, 2014 ambassador muhammad naeem khan who pioneered this festival in 2012 for the first time in riyadh and always provided his active support in its organization to the commercial section" bajwa added. 'The ambassador's proactive approach and our motivation to do something for our country have made this festival a success every time. a lot of credit goes to the pakistani community and business class who always participated in this event zealously and owned it by their heart" he stated. He stated that it is a self-sponsored event primarily by the pakistani food companies from the rice meat spices and cuisine sectors. He added that the festival not only promotes pakistan's rich traditional cuisine but also provides effective platform for the pakistani and local companies to advertise their products in the sector. Viewing the success of the last two festivals this year more than 25 companies from various sectors mainly food have joined hands with the commercial section to make this event a "huge" success he said adding that some of the major companies in the diamond and silver categories include mehran rice and spices saleh & abdulaziz abahsain queensway alkhobaib mitchels qarshi & jame shirin group and global mentor technologies. Even mobily and enjaz bank have come forward to sponsor the major activity on the first day of this festival bajwa said. Central Asia Online PESHAWAR – More than a decade of unrelenting terrorism has wrought serious damage to the Terrorism obliterates artistic tradition of Peshawar, a city that in the times of Gandhara (1500 BCE to 1000 CE) was known as the "City of Artisans." For centuries, artisans from many countries and kingdoms would Peshawar's artisan trades visit Peshawar to present their artefacts at exhibitions. The city's name comes from the word Central Asia Online "Pehsa-war," meaning "City of Artisans" in Urdu, some historians say. Various bazaars in the city June 12, 2014 bear the names of various trades, like Misgran (copper engravers) and Sarafa (goldsmiths). The main bazaar, Qissa Khwani, became known as the "story-tellers' bazaar" because traders would gather to exchange stories of their homelands over tea. Terrorism attacks city's legacy However, the wave of terrorism that hit Pakistan starting in 2003 has badly eroded the city's traditional strength in those artisanal trades. In olden times, "the journey of almost every foreigner was incomplete without a visit to the traditional bazaars of Peshawar," Zahoor Durrani, a tour operator with several decades' experience. Now, though, almost no foreign tourists come to Peshawar or to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), he said. Gone are the days when someone passing through the Misgran bazaar would hear the rhythmic hammer blows of copper engravers decorating copper or brass utensils. In Misgran, "most of the craftsmen have switched over to other businesses because of falling sales," Siddiq, a shopkeeper in the bazaar, said. With a lack of visitors, the artisans have had to find other livelihoods, he said. Lahori Gate, a hub of wood engravers, has fallen on similarly hard times. Where it once had a dozen stalls selling woodwork, only two remain. Pottery also has suffered near-extinction in Peshawar. "The biggest blow by

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terrorism on the traditional arts of Peshawar was the shutdown of the Peshawar Pottery shop," Dr. Adil Zareef, a social worker and head of the Sarhad Conservation Network (SCN), an NGO supporting the conservation of KP's heritage, said. Peshawar Pottery's earthen glazed pots used to be presented as gifts for foreign dignitaries. The 150-year-old business, though, closed in 2011 because terrorism drove away customers. Authorities recognise the problem Authorities recognise what Peshawar has lost and want to restore it. "The KP government realises the damage inflicted by militancy and bombings on traditional arts of the region," Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, managing director of the KP Tourism Corporation (KPTC), said. The KPTC has drawn up a plan to revive the dying artisanal trades by letting craftsmen set up stalls at the historic Gor Khatri site. Gor Khatri is perhaps the oldest citadel in the ancient city of Peshawar and Buddha's begging bowl was displayed there in the days when Buddhism flourished in the area. Products created at Gor Khatri will go on exhibition nationwide, while the KPTC will arrange for tourist visits to the site, he added. The KPTC is active on other fronts. It arranges events like the "Huner Mela" art exhibit at Nishtar Hall in Peshawar to allow craftspeople from across KP to promote their products, he said. In 2011-2012, the KP government began offering interest-free loans to local artisans under the Riwaiti Hunarmand Rozgar Scheme, with seed money of Rs. 150m (US $1.5m), he added. Development of Pak to be ISLAMABAD — Pakistan Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif has said that development in Pakistan at par with country: administered Kashmir (PaK) would be at par with rest of the country. Nawaz Sharif said, "Kashmiris are dear to Pakistanis' hearts and souls". Sharif asked PaK President, Sardar Pakistan PM Muhammad Yaqoob Khan to identify areas for tourism, which would be developed for tourism to Authint Mail boost the economy of the region. "Things are gradually shaping up for good and I would soon pay June 11, 2014 a detailed visit to Kashmir in order to personally ascertain the development needs of Kashmir," Pak Tribune quoted Sharif. President PaK told Sharif about the need of power generations in the region to overcome load shedding crisis. "Kashmir needs only 400MWs of electricity, while various hydro-powered projects generated more than 2000MWs, hence the load shedding crisis whould be solved Kashmir and rest of the energy can be utilised for developing small businesses and industry. Moving across borders Around 25 Pakistani students are in the city for an int’l convention of SPIC MACAY. Nothing, not with art and culture even sports, has been able to escape the trappings of jingoistic one upmanship that discussions Authint Mail on India and Pakistan invariably invite. However, the international wing of SPIC MACAY the June 11, 2014 Society for the Promotion of World Heritage Amongst Youth (SPW HAY) has taken it upon itself to challenge this dominant rhetoric by facilitating an exchange of art, culture and music between the two countries. This time round, IIT Madras is playing host to a delegation of around 25 Pakistani students participating in the 2nd international convention of SPIC MACAY marking the tenth year of this fruitful initiative. Nineteen year old Saniya Imran, pursuing fashion design at the Beaconhouse National University (BNU) in Lahore, gushes, “I love Indian art. Kalamkari style of block printing using organic colours and learning puliattam, the traditional Tamil folk dance, are things I’m extremely excited about learning through the conference.” Another student of the same college, Eemaan Kaleen, confesses to being thrilled about learning the Kerala martial art form, kalaripayattu. The person responsible for starting the project, Harsh Narayan, national coordinator and coordinator of the Pakistan initiative, says, “It was as far back in 1997 when I was a volunteer with SPIC MACAY in Bihar when I had the idea of connecting students from India and Pakistan on a cultural platform. After all we share a common past so why should there be any animosity?” Finally, in September 2004, his dogged efforts saw the light of day. A cultural delegation from India made its first trip to Lahore to partake in a carnival of the arts held across the city. Ten years on, the initiative has become a roaring success, growing from strength to strength. As much as the platform is about art, it also stands testimony to the bringing together of people. Twenty three year old Azeem Hamid of BMU theatre and fine arts says this is his second trip to India under the auspices of SPW HAY. On his experience on coming to India he says, “This feels like home, I feel like I just blend in here. People even tell me I look like I’m from Delhi and not from a different country!” On another note, the forum has even lent itself to busting pre conceived notions. For instance, the 26 year old visual arts teacher at BNU, Inaam Zasar, confesses to being repeatedly asked, “Howcome the women are not wearing burkhas? Howcome you wear T shirts like us and not salwar kameez?” Saniya effusively admits that she will keep in touch with all the friends she has made here. “One of them has even added me on Facebook,” she adds. Promoting tourism or ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has plans to profits: Massive resort on open up a 20,000 acre section of the Margalla Hills National Park area for tourism — a move that has met opposition from environmentalists at its inception, it has been reliably learnt. Almost two- Margallas on the cards, week ago, some PTI leaders shared details of a “nature-based tourism plan” in the national park but to who's benefit? with a select-group of environmentalists from Islamabad, sources informed The Express Tribune. The Express Tribune PTI Central Information Secretary Dr Shireen Mazari confirmed the development, saying, “The June 9, 2014 idea is at its preliminary stages with a number of things yet to be finalised”. Under the proposal floated by a five-member team of the PTI, to attract visitors from across the world, around 20,000 acres of land — starting some five to six kilometres from the Monal restaurant at Pir Sohawa and within K-P’s territorial borders — would be developed “without cutting a single tree” under a project called “Margalla Resorts”. Out of the 20,000 acres, some 8,000 are forest area while 12,000-acre is Guzara forest area — sizeable patches of wooded lands. “17,000 acre of land will not be

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touched at all cost, while nature-based tourism facilities will be developed on 3,000 acres,” said a PTI leader who attended the meeting, while asking not to be named. The broader theme, Margalla Resorts, will be accommodating two development models. The first involves construction of a road modeled on Mall Road in Murree, with small and medium tourism facilities on both sides. The second involves construction of buildings similar to Highland Country Club on Pir Sohawa Road. The club houses a resort, recreation centre and restaurant. Environmentalists’ opposition An environmentalist who was part of a team that was given the briefing alleged the plan was the brainchild of some individuals in the PTI who are now playing it up as a K-P government plan. He claimed that after looking into the proposal for over two weeks, he had found that two senior PTI leaders had economic interests in the plan. “I am sure PTI Chairman Khan and the K-P government are not on board,” he claimed. He claimed that during the meeting, when a PTI leader unveiled the proposal to follow the country club model, a senior PTI leader actually began shouting in opposition to it. “The club was established after cutting hundreds of trees and has massive concrete structures,” he said, adding that dynamite was used on portions of the hills to prepare the terrain for construction. According to the plans, the road leading to the proposed site would be widened, while some concrete tracks would also be carved out to make the area automobile-accessible. “Business interests of PTI leaders are involved in the project,” he said, adding, “The national park was set up to protect the nature, not to serve private parties.” He expressed hope that PTI chief that Khan would intervene and ensure that the final plan was feasible and eco-friendly. Talking to The Express Tribune, prominent environmentalist Dr Jawad Chistie also confirmed that he was also briefed over the plan. He said the citizens concerned were assured during the meeting that no loss would be incurred to nature while carrying out this project. “Pakistan is signatory of several international conventions. We will look the whole process in future in the backdrop of laws and regulations governing the area,” Chistie said. He said national park’s sanctity would be upheld at any cost and any plan involving damage to environment would be opposed at every possible forum. PTI defends plan Dr Mazari defended the plan while talking to The Express Tribune, categorically stating “Not a single tree will be felled” while executing the project. She said the execution process would be controlled with “stringent oversight”. Mazari said the K-P government’s efforts to enhance forest cover in K-P by carrying out massive plantation drives had not only been acknowledged at national level but appreciated internationally. “I can assure it will be a nature-based tourism plan, nothing else,” Dr Mazari said. She said PTI was the sole political party in the country that had specific vision for the country’s deteriorating environmental conditions and that the party proved it through a number of environment related initiatives in K-P. Mazari said a board to discuss the initials plan had also been formed and it will have representation from different environmental groups, citizens and internationally-renowned architects. She reiterated that the project would be executed only if found in line with rules and regulations. The Nation Cinema is a great source of promoting culture, values and norms of a society, and also portrays Indian cinema versus Pak the actual kind of people of a specific region and their behaviour and mindset. Bollywood is considered as one of the largest showbiz industry of world. As Indian movies are very much culture popular and widely watched in Pakistan, they greatly influence our society and culture. One of the The Nation main reasons is because of the downfall of Pakistani cinema, which is stooping day after day. June 9, 2014 Nonetheless, the Indian cinema is promoting its culture through movies, dramas and films, which are full of false beliefs. The most ironic thing about this very industry include the multi-billion rupees talks, unreal happenings, over-estimated fantasies and dazzling colours which catch the attention of our people and frustrate them eventually. It is getting very common among Pakistani youth to imitate their favourite actors from Indian movies/dramas, which puts the originality at risk. It is said that to rule a nation, minds be captured through propaganda. This is what Indian cinema is doing - spoiling our nation’s thoughts and beliefs. It is, undoubtedly, the fault of our own people from showbiz industry who are not producing good stuff. Movies and dramas sans ideology and firm beliefs are being produced daily, though. Our youth want to know more about the issue. They want to watch well-scripted movies, but unfortunately this is not happening. Masses are left with only a few choices like ‘Gujjar Movies’ containing substandard production and wicked dialogues. Surprisingly, Pakistani cinema is working to regain its forbidden status. Our showbiz industry still has some great thinkers, who are working hard for reshaping the industry. But it is the need of the hour that the standards should be elevated, seeking more attention from investors and script- writers, so that our people and society turn to watch their own cinema. Movies should be magnifying our society, culture and beliefs, carrying positive messages for youth. Social issues must also be highlighted with their solutions. In addition, a check on Indian movies is essential to filter out the immorality, abusiveness and hatred against Pakistan. The Express Tribune ISLAMABAD: To revitalise cultural heritage, a diverse ensemble of folk musicians, storytellers and Lok Rang: Reviving dancers from across the country enlivened an evening with a profusion of energy, movement and colour. The folk music and dance extravaganza titled “Lok Rang” was held at the Pakistan cultural heritage National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Friday. The Express Tribune June 8, 2014 Sadia Batool of Potohar region, who emulates the late folk singer Reshma, rendered three of her timeless melodies: “Hai oh rabba nai lagda dil mera,” “Akhiyan nu rehn de” and “Kadi te hans bol ve.” Perhaps the only time Batool smiled was while quietly cuing the instrument players to transition from one beat to the next. She was accompanied by Zahid Ali on keyboard, Amanat

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Masih on tabla, Sajjad Ali on harmonium and Shahid Ali on R-8 drum. The momentum of the slow- moving evening picked up with the enthusiastic performances of the National Performing Arts Group of the PNCA. They performed the fishermen dance of Makran from Balochistan, the bhangra that is symbolic of the vigour of Punjab, the snake charmer dance and “Dawn to Dusk,” a dance depicting a day in the life of the hard-working farmer and expressing joy at a good harvest. Shahid Mansoor Malangi, son of the famous Mansoor Malangi, performed his father’s “Ek phul motiye da mar ke” to an appreciative audience, followed by the mellow numbers “Aaj kala jora pa” and “Keri ghalti huee.” Wahid Buksh, popularly known as Alan Faqir Junior, performed mystic poetry of the poets Sachal Sarmast, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and Bulleh Shah such as “Wah wah jiye Shah Bhittai,” “Kyun chora hai saath” and “Tere ishq mein jo bhi doob gaya.” Spinning like a dervish and engaging the audience with his enthusiasm, he rolled all over the stage in euphoric motion. Buksh has been participating in cultural musical programmes at home and abroad for about 15 years now. Renowned storyteller and musician Fazal Jutt energised the audience with his lively performance of “Oye dhol wajda,” “Challah” a story from the famous folklore Sohni Mahewal. His powerful oratory, sporadic comic timing and the ability to break into dance amid narration were entertaining regardless of whether one could comprehend the linguistic content. His trailblazing performance inspired young boys performing bhangra near the stage. PNCA Director General Mashood Ahmed Mirza said while addressing the audience, “We have tried to promote a soft image of the country through cultural activities and enlighten our youth on the role of art and culture in the present day.” Pakistan, Nepal supportive ISLAMABAD—It was one of the hottest days on Friday in Islamabad when mercury shot up to to each on world fora unbearable degree, but it tapered off to pleasant evening with a colourful gala held by Embassy of Pakistan Observer Nepal to celebrate its Republic and National Day. June 8, 2014 Bharat Raj Paudyal, Ambassador of Nepal was in the central stage to put up this grand show to share happiest moments of his country with citizens of his host country. The envoy from this Himalayan state, Bharat Raj Paudyal is a seasoned diplomat, generally a quite man with a lot of wisdom and insight who is making efforts to augment trade between Pakistan and Nepal which is not satisfactorily at present. It was his day as on his invitation politicians, parliamentarians, members of Diplomatic Corps, businessmen, Nepalese nationals in Pakistan, former diplomats, and retired senior civil servants and friends of Nepal converged to make perfect setting in a local hotel for jubilation. ANP leader Haji Adeel, Former Foreign Minister Gohar Ayub, ex-diplomat Akram Zaki and former Minister Wazir Ali Jogezai were among the prominent figures who attended the jubilations. The ceremony kicked off with the arrival of Abdul Qadir Baloch, Minister for SAFRON who represented Government of Pakistan at the reception. After playing of national anthems and cake cutting tradition on the occasion, the participants of the show settled in groups to discuss anything on the world including Pak-Nepal relations. The moving spirit of the show was the ambassador and of course his spouse, who greeted all his guests with a smile and enthusiasm. All his companions in the embassy were also present to make this show a great success. Two screens in the hall installed in the corners were displaying documentaries on Nepal with beautiful back ground music. Nepal with Mount Everest, the highest Peak and magical sites is one of the most attractive destinations of tourists and climbers. To create awareness on tourism industry of Nepal, a stall with booklets was also arranged on the occasion. The guests were treated with tasteful traditional dishes on the occasion. Pakistan and Nepal enjoy very close relationship. People-to-people contacts are very strong and supportive. On international fora and SAARC platform, both the countries also extend cooperation to each other. Though trade volume is not in consonance with their cordial relations and close proximity, efforts are on to strengthen connectivity. Easy access to each other’s country can make the difference. Besides bilateral relations, SAARC is the forum which is needed to be activated to accelerate pace of trade and economic relations as great potential exists in both countries to achieve that end. Nepal’s Tourism industry is well developed and can be made a great attraction for Pakistani tourists and climbers. Paper products, tea, Lentils, spices, ginger, Pashmina and handicrafts are exportable items from Nepal while Pakistan is strong in exporting garments, electronic and engineering goods, rice, chemicals and sports and surgical goods. SL giant to help boost KARACHI: In a major development towards the revival of international sports in Pakistan, five motorsport in Pakistan years after the Sri Lankan cricket team was targeted in a terrorist attack in Lahore, a Sri Lankan The News International based motorsport giant has decided to join hands with a local IT company in a bid to boost June 8, 2014 motorsport in Pakistan. Well-placed sources working for the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Tourism told ‘The News’ on Saturday that Sri Lankan based motor racing giant EZY Racing and Pakistan’s leading IT and telecommunications enabler, Interactive Group are on the verge of entering into an agreement aimed at launching the well renowned brand in Pakistan. “It is now confirmed that Sri Lanka based Asia Pacific Rally Championship running team, EZY Racing, has decided to launch its motor sports activity in Pakistan”, stated an official of the ministry on the condition of anonymity. The partnership between EZY racing and Interactive IT Group will lay a multi-year outline where Interactive Group will encompass in a journey with EZY Racing into multiple countries where the motor racing company will engage in developing motor sporting awareness and further strengthening their brand. “In addition to the International involvements of Interactive with EZY Racing, the Pakistani giant will introduce the Sri Lankan based team’s motor sport, enthusiasm driving events focusing on Kart Racing, Drag Racing, Gymkhana Challenges and a City Wise Rally Challenge, which are trademarked brands under the EZY Motor Racing Corporation Umbrella” states an official correspondence between the two groups. It has been learnt that in a bid to showcase the partnership between the two groups, during the current week, EZY Racing Sri Lanka and Interactive Group will announce public support for a locally made sports car by the students of National University for Science and Technology (NUST). This car is

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also expected to compete at the International Circuit known as the ‘Formula Student’. PTDC improvement ISLAMABAD—Managing Director, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Ch Kabir assured Ahmad Khan here pledged to improve the tourism across the country. In an event organized by Pakistan Observer PTDC hotel in the honour of biker-tourist Mohammad Iqbla Ghangla, the MD informed about June 7, 2014 certain steps and initiatives to facilitate tourists and enhance the revenue generation of the corporation to make it self-sustaining organization. To attract tourists from all over the world and to present a soft image of Pakistan, Muhammad Iqbal Ghangla has started this tour titled Peaceful Pakistan from Multan on May 20. During his tour of Pakistan, he covered over 6500-Km and travelled to Sindh, Balochistan, coastal areas, Thar desert, and southern Punjab.The main purpose of his tour was to convey a message to the local as well as foreign tourists that anyone could move freely as Pakistan was a peace- loving country. Iqbal Ghangla said that there are many beautiful tourist spots in Pakistan, which need to be visited and admired. It will be a source giving oxygen to Pakistan’s dying tourist industry. Iqbal said that during his tour, he continued uploading his pictures on many social networks so other people could also see the hidden beauty of Pakistan. These pictures could also be presented to foreign tourists so that they could be attracted to Pakistan.On the occasion, The MD PTDC informed journalists about his first step for repairing all organizations vehicles on emergency basis to provide the better and quality traveling experience for tourists. He told, “We have ensured local as tourist guides at tourists places. In addition to this the handicrafts of the locals will be exhibited free of charge in the season at PTDC hotels and resorts”.He further informed the organization’s initiatives for introducing Tourism Friends Club Card for tourists. Through this card, PTDC would provide incentives like discount on room rent of PTDC motels and hotels, tour packages and transport services to tourists.—APP PTDC after 18th Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has expressed concern over delay in transferring assets of Amendment: Khyber Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), in light of 18th constitutional amendments. "The PTDC had been devolved following the passage of the 18th constitutional amendments to Pakhtunkhwa government control it full control by the provinces, but the Centre has failed to hand over the whole assets of voices concern over delay the corporation, except employees, despite the lapse of several years, said Amjad Afridi, Advisor in transferring assets to Chief Minister on Sports, Culture and Tourism, while speaking at 'Meet the press' program, Business Recorder organized by Sports Writers Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (SWA-KPK) here on Tuesday. The June 5, 2014 Advisor vowed the provincial government will get PTDC's control by hook or crook in next two- week. He informed the provincial government would purchase the ancestral home of legendary movie star Dilip Kumar (Mohammad Yousuf Khan) and preserve it as a national heritage site, situated in at Dunga Gali in interior city of Peshawar, where the Bollywood icon Dilip Kumar stayed till the age of 12 before moving to Mumbai with his family. Flanked by the SWAKP's President Nader Khawaja, general secretary Asim Shiraz and President KhUJ Nisar Mehmood, he informed that work is on to establish full pledge stadiums at each district level, for which, Rs 400million have already been released. Commenting on KP budget 2014-15, the PTI government allocated Rs 1324million for the year 2014-15 for sports and tourism, which is too much to the last year allocation Rs 871million for the same, he said, adding `we want to bring revolution in sports'. A huge share of the allocation would be spent on renovation and rehabilitation of existing grounds, stadiums and other infrastructure in the province. Approved by the previous ANP-led provincial government, Asfandyar City project would now be called Peshawar Model Town at Ormar Maira locality near Peshawar Motorway interchange would have all sort of standard level facilities, besides an international level sports city or complex would also be built at this new city, Amjad Afridi, who has also served as a provincial housing minister in the ANP's last government said. When asked about ongoing tussle over the president-ship of KPK Olympic Association, he said that his first priority was to get the matter resolved amicably by having meetings with Haji Ghulam Ali and Aqil Shah, who were claiming of being president of the association. The government would accept the one who is legal, he explained. It is true that senior officials of housing department have been arrested by NAB in corruption cases adding those who are involved in corruption would also be apprehended, he concluded. PTDC sets up Tourism ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has set up Tourism Friends Club Friends Club, and invited applications for membership to promote tourism in the country, and The News International allure domestic and foreign tourists. Talking to APP, an official said that 20 per cent discount June 4, 2014 would be given to the members on the facilities being provided at all hotels, motels, and tourist resorts operating across the country. He said that the interested persons could get themselves registered with the club by paying Rs500, while the annual fee would be Rs1,500 for each member. PTDC starts bus service to RAWALPINDI: With a view to promote tourism in the country, the PTDC Sunday started a daily Naran bus service between Rawalpindi and Naran which was inaugurated by its Managing Director The News International Chaudhry Kabir Khan. June 2, 2014 Speaking on the occasion, he said that the PTDC is not only offering special discount tour packages to Pakistani families, students and tourist groups but also to foreign tourists. He said that a special counter has been established by the Pakistan Tours Limited to facilitate tourists.= The PTDC managing director said that the road to Naran is open and people of Kaghan are ready to welcome tourists. The tourist flow in the area will help not only in increasing revenue but also in rehabilitating earthquake and flood affected areas. New job opportunities will be available. He said that as per instructions of the prime minister, steps are being taken to promote and develop tourism in the country and “we hope that after completion of these steps, we will be able to boost tourism in the country.” He said that this is the only bus service between Rawalpindi and Naran

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tourism in the country and “we hope that after completion of these steps, we will be able to boost tourism in the country.” He said that this is the only bus service between Rawalpindi and Naran and tourism is the only industry, which earns more foreign exchange than any other industry as well as increase foreign investment in the country. Speaking on the occasion, PTDC General Manager Production and Publicity Ali Akbar briefed that the PTDC started a bus service between Rawalpindi and Naran in 1997, which has successfully been continued till date. Ali Akbar said in order to develop tourism infrastructure in the country, the PTDC has established 39 motels in far-flung areas of Pakistan, where private sector was shy to invest. The PTDC is operating 18 tourist information centres all over Pakistan by providing information, travel guides, brochures, maps and pamphlets to the tourists, which help them in planning their holidays.

 

            

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HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTIONS IN TOURISM SECTOR IN PAKISTAN Mighty Mango Festival at Kuch Khaas invited you to its tastiest, sweetest, most awaited festival yet – The Mighty Mango Kuch Khaas! Festival! Featured a cooking competition in which foodies participated with their mango dishes, www.kuchkhaas.org and were judged by two surprise guest celebrity chefs - one internationally renowned chef and one June 26,2014 well-loved local celebrity chef! The judges are known for making some of the world’s most creative and exciting dishes, and have hosted and successfully competed in famous international cooking shows. Do our contestants have what it takes to win them over? The festivities also included the Mango Food Bazaar, with a wide range of products, ideas and, of course, the star of our show, the mango itself in all its mangoficence. Celebrating 10 years of Dance4Life marks the 10th anniversary of dance4life around the globe and its 3rd anniversary in Dance4Life Pakistan. Great milestones have been achieved and it’s time to celebrate our successes. www.kuchkhaas.org/ The Ambassadors4Life Abdullah Qureshi Maria Fatima Unera Qureshi and Muneeb Arshad will be June 25,2014 performing live at this celebration. In addition to this, the youth groups will share their journey with Dance4Life and inspire you all with the Dance4Life drill on the Official International soundtrack. To know more about the initiative follow click on the link below: https://www.facebook.com/D4L.Pakistan?ref=br_tf NO ENTRY CHARGE!!! School/College/University students can collect their passes from Kuch Khaas by showing their student ID card. Make sure you bring your School/College/University ID card and pass on the day of the event as well. Rights of Admission reserved

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DISTRICT MULTAN TOURISM PROFILE

Introduction: Multan City is the 3rd largest in the Province, and is located on National Highway (N- 5) leading to Bahawalpur and Muzaffargarh/Dera Ghazi Khan enroute to Karachi, passing through core of the City. The City lies east of Chenab River, more or less in the geographic centre of the Country, at a distance of about 966 km from Karachi. Multan is known as the 'City of Sufi Saints (Pirs) and Shrines’. The City has many superbly designed mosques, shrines and tombs. A network of rails, highways and air flights connect Multan to the rest of the Country. The city offers trading facilities to the entire region for vegetables, grains and agro-based products. History once called it "city of Gold” & today it is called a cotton mine with 35,000 power looms manufacturing exported cotton goods. It’s extremely talented artisans are known for their handmade beautiful blue pottery, ceramics, camel skin lamps, wooden crafts, furniture, metal handicrafts, multani khussa (embroidered leather shoes) & hand embroidered cloths, which makes the strong cottage industry of Multan adding to national exchequer.1 Short History: Multan is an extremely old city, which has seen a lot of warfare, because of its Location on a major invasion route of India from Central Asia. Multan is an extremely old city, which has seen a lot of warfare, because of its Location on a major invasion route of India from Central Asia. The history of Multan dates back to the time of Alexander the Great. In the mid 5th century, the city was attacked by a group of nomads led by Torman. but did not stay, and the long-standing Hindu rule over the city was reestablished. In the 7th century, Multan had its first experience with Muslim armies. Armies led by Mohalib launched numerous raids from Persia into India. A few decades later, Muhammad bin Qasim would come on behalf of the Arabs, and take Multan along with Sind. The city at that time was known as the "city of gold". Following bin Qasim's conquest, the city was securely under Muslim rule, although it was in effect an independent state. With the turn of the millennium, the city was attacked twice by Mahmood of Ghazni who destroyed the Sun Mandir, but he did not stay. After Muhammad Ghori's victories in India, and his establishment of a capital in Delhi, Multan was made a part of his empire. However, the rise of the Mongols would again give it some independence, albeit requiring it to be vigilant against Mongol raids from Central Asia. Under the Mughal Empire, Multan enjoyed over 200 years of peace, and became known as Dar-ul-Aman (Abode of Peace)2. Spoken Languages: Saraiki, Punjabi, Urdu, Haryanvi, and Majhi.

DISTRICT MULTAN AT A GLANCE

Area 3,721 sq.km Population – 2013 Estimated 4,348,191 Male 344,614 (51%) Female 328,164 (49%) Population 1998 3,117,000 Urban Population 1,314,748 (42.18%)

Rural Population 1,802,103 (57.82%) Literacy Ratio (10 +) 43.4% Male 53.25% Female 32.28% Population Density 837.9 per Sq.Km

Sex Ratio (males per 100 females) 110.4

Average Household Size 7.2

Average Annual Growth rate (1981-98) 2.73%

Total Housing Units (1998) 433,362 Pacca Housing Units 215,429 (49.71%)

Housing Units having Electricity 301,527 (69. 58%)

Housing Units having Piped Water 93,825 (21.65%)

Housing Units using Gas for Cooking 125,548 (28.97%)

Number of Health Facilities 721

1 Report for Integrated Master Plane of Multan (2008-2028) 2 www.citymultan.com

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Number of Educational Facilities 1,8733

Number of Education Facilities 1,908

Administrative Units Tehsils 04 Towns/ TMAs 6 Union Councils 129

Historical and Architectural Heritage: Multan Fort, Mausoleum of Sheikh Baha-ud-Din Zakariya, Mausoleum of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Mausoleum of Musa Pak Shaheed, Mausoleum of Shah Shams Tabrez, Gardezi Shrine, Wali Muhammad Mosque, Phulhattanwali Mosque, Nawab Abdus Samad Khan Eidgah, Bakirabadi Mosque, Shrine of Baba Safra, Samadhi of Diwan Sawan Mal, The Prahladpuri Temple, Saint Mary's church, Defensive Wall, Circular Road, Lahori Gate, Haram gate, Delhi Gate, Walled City4.

3 Source: Alhasan System Pvt Limitid ,Islamabad ,Pakistan 4 Report for Integrated Master Plane of Multan (2008-2028)

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©2014 www.alhasan.com 21

ANALYSING THE DESI POPULAR June 18, 2014— Saadia Gardezi

From Prince Biscuits to Dalda to Surf Excel, our minds and music’s Hall of Fame). It is only in the last two to four years childhoods echo with TV jingles, nationalistic pop anthems that we have seen the beginnings of a renaissance of from the 90s and snippets of jokes from 50-50. Pop culture entertainment channels with Hum Tv. is always musical. Ask someone about their favourite bit of General Zia’s years were a blur of state censorship and Pakistani pop culture, and invariably the answer is Nazia state controlled television to the extent that even female Hassan, “Purani jeans aur guitar”, Vital Signs and Junoon. actors sleeping in bed on TV has to have a veil on their But a deeper look brings back heart wrenching nostalgia, heads. The state does have a role in creating what is like watching Thundercats on STN at 7 pm as a kid, or trips popular culture, but this is hardly equal to the state to Bata before every new school year, or laughing at Moin controlling it. The most popular example of this from outside Ahktar on PTV. Popular culture by no means is something Pakistan was propaganda posters during World War 2. The that can be concretely measured or defined. In Pakistan most wonderful art and design was combined with such frivolity is often sidelined, but by nature of being government messages across the world including the US, uncontrolled and spontaneous, pop culture crawls through Great Britain, Soviet Russia, Japan and China. One of the the cracks to become part of the national psyche. most popular posters was the red British “Keep Calm and Popular culture is a different creature from the national Carry On” poster. Today these posters have survived phenomenon of culture. It only comes into being when it has because to the masses, they represent an instantly mass effect and acceptance, but with no direct control of the recognizable version of history, not because of state control creator or of any form of authority. The actors of the of history. legendary TV show 50-50 have long disappeared from the Pakistan has never had a tradition of propaganda posters airwaves, yet the comedy skits are still part of beloved pop but one of the bastions of national television (and even a culture. Massive aid by the Internet, like YouTube, have mouthpiece for state propaganda), Shaista Zaid, is an icon ensured that such chapters in our popular history can today. She is instantly recognizable, and even beloved by survive. Most of quality TV from before the 80’s was her long standing presence on PTV, with her perfectly produced by PTV, and the state enterprise has either lost pinned dupatta and impeccable English accent. Again, her this content or has been unable to digitize obsolete figure is not created by any authority, it is rather how she mediums of film. This compounds one of the problems of has been perceived and received by the masses that fixes popular culture in Pakistan, that it doesn’t last long. her in our memories. Her retirement thus spawned long Quality makes for good popularity, but popular culture is bouts of reminiscing about the lives and times of General often absolutely frivolous (like the popularity of Annie’s Zia. Mahiya, or Mathira’s antics on cable TV). It does not have to It can be argued that Humsafar was the first drama to break be art; it just has to be catchy. It is forever changing and the stereotyping of Pakistani TV as being dull and evolving, and mostly comedic, artistic or musical. To give a uncreative plot wise. Other popular shows on TV like Jutt very simple example, the shalwar kameez is culture; the and Bond, Shashlik and Teen bata teen, were different in Pierre Cardin twist to the outfit for PIA air hostesses in the the sense that they targeted a young population with 1970’s is pop culture. comedy. Interestingly, Jawad Bashir’s hand was behind all The problem with popular culture in Pakistan, as mentioned three of these comedies. Including the music of Dr aur Billa, earlier is its extremely short lifespan. Even though pop well produced music videos like Abrar-ul-Haq’s Preeto, and culture is transient, Britney Spears head shaving Ufone GSM’s riotous adverts, Bashir may be the single shenanigans have lasted longer in our public memory than biggest contributor to Pakistani pop culture since the 90s Dr aur Billa’s hilarious take on pop music. This is probably with honorable mentions to partners-in-crime, Adeel due to the nature of our media and how it is controlled. Hashmi, Vasay Chaudhry and Faisal Qureshi. Good Virtually all the fodder for pop culture in the last ten years comedy was always popular (whether Moin Akhtar cross- has come not from art and music but from 24 hour news dressing in Rozi in the 90s or the inane hilarity of the sitcom channels, like Amir Liaqat’s “Ghalib film dekhi hai aap Bulbulay today), but quality dramas were few and far neh?”, and Maya Khan’s “Apnay maan baap ko dhoka mat between. dain” (about sitting with a member of the opposite sex in a The sad thing is that such changes in local culture are not park). In a country obsessed with national security and given importance in dominant narratives. With a threadbare political drama, it is not hard to see why high culture (like film and music industry, break throughs like Jutt and Bond fine art) and low culture (like Pushto films with buxom or Humsafar open us to local art but are often not dancing lasses) have a minimal role in discourse. Even capitalized on because they do not feature into the power when high art and popular culture are as important to the structures of society. It is sometimes argued that during construction of Pakistani identity as religion, ethnicity or Zia’s time, there was a cap put on creativity, that due to politics. government censorship and control, the quality of national In the 1990s, the heyday of pop music in Pakistan, these 24 TV fell. Yet there are short lived blips of renaissance here hour news channels did not exist. In fact, it can be argued and there, for example shows like Chand Grehn in the 90s. that news channels like Geo and Dunya were the death of Today the problem is not state control but societal entertainment channels like Indus music that, for a few encouragement of such projects and the people behind years had captured the attention of teens across urban them. Pakistan (for one, it propelled Jal’s Aadat into Pakistani The writer is a member of staff..

©2014 www.alhasan.com

22

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©2014 www.alhasan.com 23

PAKISTAN: PROSPECTS OF TOURISM Aftabur Rehman Rana President Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan Islamabad FOR Pakistan, tourism can be a massive source of own domestic tourists. There is a large number of earning as our country possesses top-class tourist Pakistanis who are interested in exploring their own attractions from the stunning Himalayan peaks, beautiful homeland but the dilapidated tourism infrastructure and lakes, scenic valleys, rich culture, centuries-old high cost of board and lodging, coupled with poor civilisations, vast deserts, golden beaches of Makran to standard of services at tourist spots, discourage them to all the other natural and man-made attractions. do so. But unfortunately Pakistan’s tourism potential has largely What we need here is a good tourism policy and full been untapped and no serious attention has been paid government backing. The new government should by authorities concerned to make it a major engine of prioritize tourism as a leading sector of Pakistan’s economic growth for the country. economy and help bring the tourism industry back on its feet. We can easily defeat terrorism with tourism by Ironically, the sector was ignored during the previous creating income and employment generation government’s tenure. The law and order situation in the opportunities for the insolvent people of far flung areas country has hurt tourism greatly, but what made matters of KP province and GB where there are no other worse is the unnecessary restrictions on the travelling of industries to support their livelihoods. By developing foreign tourists to various tourist spots. Now foreign tourism industry, other businesses such as hotels, tourists need an NOC for travelling to most of the places restaurants, transport, handicrafts, shopping, local in Pakistan and it is almost impossible to get this NOC recreational spots and local entrepreneurs get well on time due to lengthy and tedious bureaucratic simultaneously boosted and it create thousands of new procedures. jobs for unskilled and skilled workforce. Although security of foreign tourists is a major concern A targeted investment strategy by the government, of the government, once they are issued visas, there coupled with a sound tourism development policy, can should not be any extra hurdles in their way to visit do very well help in addressing these challenges and places of tourist interest for which they have paid capitalising on this untapped potential. thousands of dollars on air travel and other ground arrangements. We need to facilitate them and provide Far-reaching policy measures would need to be adopted them invisible security so that they could enjoy their so that tourists who were scared away due to terrorist holidays without any fear and worry. On the other hand, activities may be attracted back to revive tourism in we have also not paid serious attention to facilitate our Pakistan.

©2014 www.alhasan.com

24

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روز�� �ا� و� ��ى �ل ا� �� �ى ، ڈ� ��ى �ا� �از �س ، � آر او �� � �� ا� ا�ل �� �۔ 8 �ن 2014 �ر�� ��ن ا�� � �� �ب (ا��:� ا�ز ��)��ن �ر�� ا�� � ا�� � �� �� �د � و � � �وف ��ہ �� �� ا�از � � ا�از � �ِ �و � ا� �ِ �و � � ا�د � �� � ��� �را��م �و�، ڈا� �� وا� � �،�ِ �ارت � � ��ن �ب آ� درا� �ہ ا�وز �۔�� ��ى �ر�� ��ن �ن ��، �ڈ ��ى �ر�� ��ن � �، � ر�ان، �� � http://universalurdupost.com/ اد� � �� �� �۔�� � �ا� �را��م �و� اور ڈا� �وت ز�ہ � ا�م د � �۔�اء �ام � ا� �م � � 2 �ن 2014 � � � � � رو� � �ر �� � د �۔� � �� �ب، �ب �ر، �را��م �و�، ڈا� �� �� وا�، � �ورى، � �ر، ڈا� �وت ز�ہ، �د ا� �، � ��،�ن �ن، آ� ر� ا�، � ��، ��د �� ، �ن �زب، ر�ان را�، � �ں،�� ز�ى اور � �ن �ى �� �۔�� � � آ� �ش، �� ��، ڈا� ا�، ڈا� � �ن، �ا� � ا�ار �،� �ن �ن، � �و� اور �ر ا�م � ا�رات � � ��ن � ��ں �ت � �� �۔اِس �� � � ��ن �ب آ� درا� � ا�ر �ل �� �� � � �� �ب وا� � �ں � � �ل � اور ا� ا�از � �� � ا�د �ر�� ��ن � � ��ِ �ت �۔� � � �ان � � � �� � �ورت � اور اِس �ا� �ر�� ��ن �ں � � ا�ِ � � ��د� � ��ر ��ہ اُ�� � �� � � �ڑے �۔ا�ں � �را��م �و� � �� ��ے ا�� � �ا� � � � ��ب ��ے � �� ا� � ��ں � �س � ر� �۔ا�ں � اِس �ا� � � ا�ر � � ا� �� ور� � �ا� � ا� �ے �� � �� � �� �� � � ُد� � ا� �م � � � � ا� � �ب � م �۔ا�ں � � � �و � � �� �و ِغ اُردو � ا� �دار ادا �� � اور اِ� ا�د � � ��ار ر� � �ورى �۔اور ��ى �� � � اد�رى � اُ� � � �ى � � �� � ر� � � �� � �� �� ��ى � ا� ر� � � �� آ �۔�� �ب � اِس ��ب اور ��ر �ى � � �ا� � ا�ر �� �� � � �ں آ � � �ت �� �۔اور �ر�� ��ن � �ے ا�از � � � ا�د � ِ� ا�از � � � � ��ن � �را��م �و� اور ڈا� �� وا� � � � دل � �ر �ں ۔ � �ردا� �ے � � ا�ل ��� � � � �۔���ب � � �� اور � ��ں � �ر � � �ب داد و � �� � ُا� ��� �م � �ِ ��ن �ب آ� درا� � �ب �ا� ۔ا� � ’’�ڑ�ں‘‘ �ا� � �ر � � � �م �� � � � � � اور دل �ل � داد � دى۔� ِر� �ِ ��ن �ب آ� درا� � � ِن �� �� �ب � � � ِن �� � � �ِ ��ن � ��ں � �� � �۔�� � ا�م � �� �� � ا�م � � � �۔

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TOURISM DIRECTORY

GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WORKING IN TOURISM SECTOR Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation Gilgit Baltistan Toursim Department Govt. of Pakistan Govt. of Pakistan Mr. Iftikhar Hussain Satti Syed Akhtar Hussain General Manager (Hotel) Secretary 051-9272013, 0092-51-9271591-92 akhter@ visitgilgitbaltistan.gov.pk [email protected], [email protected] 0092-5811-920690-1, 0092-5811-920690-1, 0092-5811- Flashman's Hotel, The Mall, Rawalpindi 920573 www.tourism.gov.pk info@ visitgilgitbaltistan.gov.pk Khomer Chowk, Shahrah-e-Qaid-e-Azam,Near Rupal Inn, Khomer, Gilgit www.visitgilgitbaltistan.gov.pk Pakistan Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management Planning Commission Government of Pakistan Govt. of Pakistan Govt. of Pakistan Niaz Ali Malkani Ahsan Iqbal Director Deputy Chairman 0092-21-99251281-3 0092-51-9211147, 0092-321-5127885, 0092-51-9211147 [email protected] 0092-51-9202783 Street No. 16, Block No. 4, Scheme No. 5, Clifton, [email protected], [email protected] Karachi P” block Pakistan Secretariat, Islamabad., Planning www.pithm.edu.pk Comission, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad www.pc.gov.pk Tourism and Archeology of AJK Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab Govt. of Pakistan Govt. of Pakistan Pirzada Irshad Ahmed Habib ur Rehman Gillani Director Managing Director 0092-5822- 921421 0092-42-99231647, 0092-42-99231646, 0092-42-99231644 [email protected] 0092-42-99231649 Directorate General Tourism Department [email protected], [email protected] B-14 Upper Chattar Housing Colony, Muzaffarabad AJK [email protected] , [email protected] www.ajktourism.gov.pk [email protected] 151, Abubakar Block, New Garden Town, Lahore www.tdcp.gop.pk Tourism Corporation Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (TCKP) Culture Department Government of Sindh Government of KPK Govt. of Pakistan 0092 91 9211091 , 0092 91 9213762 Saqib Soomro Head Office : 13-A New Block, khyber Road, Peshawar Secretary www.kptourism.com 0092-21-99211478 [email protected] 406, First Floor, Sindh Secretariat No. 3, Old KDA Building, Shara-e-Ata Turk, Karachi

PRIVATE HELD COMPANIES/ NGOs WORKING IN TOURISM SECTOR Nature Tourism Services ALHASAN Systems (Pvt) Ltd Privately Held Company Development Organization Muhammad Asif Mehdi Bokhari Managing Partner Sales and Marketing Founder/ Chief Executive Officer 0092-321-9816257, 0092-992-384493, 0092-300- 0092.323.929.1647, 0092-51-4865064 4046557 [email protected], [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] House No. 4, Green Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Road, Sector: Office No.1, Ground Floor, Mubarak Plaza, Small I-8/2, Islamabad Industry Chowk,(KKH), Abbotabad www.alhasan.com www.naturetourism.info Shewa Educated Social Workers Association Heritage Foundation Pakistan Local NGO Local NGO Muhammad Faiq Yasmeen Lari Chairman Chief Executive Officer 0092-342 9193818 0092-213-5834215 , 0092-213-5837521 [email protected] [email protected] Parmoli Road, Mohallah Ghulam Khel,VPO Shewa, E-6 Fourth Gizri Street, DHA 4, Karachi Tehsil Razzar, Shewa, Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa www.heritagefoundationpak.org www.seswapk.org

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United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Vershegom Area Development Organization Organization Local NGO United Nations Karamat Ullah 0092-51-111710745 President [email protected] 0092 312 9703311 UNESCO Office, Serena Business Complex,7th Floor, [email protected] Sector G-5, Islamabad 13 Latif Market Shahra-e- Quaid-i-Azam, Jatial, Gilgit www.unesco.org.pk www.Vado.org

MAJOR HOTELS Avari Towers Hotel Embassy Inn Fatima Jinnah Road 100B, Main Shahrah-e-Faisal S.M.C.H.S. Nursery UAN: 0092-21-111-282747 Phone: 0092-21-34535461-70 Fax: 0092-21-3568 0310 Fax: 0092-21-34526797 Email: [email protected] Website: www.embassyin.com.pk E-Mail: [email protected] Ramada Plaza Regent Plaza Hotel& Convention Center Karachi Airport,Star Avenue Terminal 1 Main Shahrah-e-Faisal,Karachi Jinnah International Airport Phone:0092-21-111 111 774 Phone: 0092-21-99242600 Fax: 0092-21-9242978 Sheraton Karachi Hotel Marriott Hotel Club Road Karachi Marriott Hotel 9, Abdullah Haroon Road, Karachi Phone: 0092-021-35633333 Phone: 0092-21-111-22-33-44 Website: www.sheraton.com/karachi Fax: 0092- 21-5680981 Email: [email protected] Hotel Al-Mustafa Hotel Al-Harmain tower Raja Ghazanfar Ali Road, Saddar, Karachi Raja Ghazanfar Ali Khan Road, Saddar Karachi-74400, Phone:0092-021-35661047/021-35661053 Pakistan Fax:021-35660500 Phone:0092-213-5223970-82 Fax: 0092-213-5223983-84 Email: [email protected] Hotel Country inn Hotel Crown Inn Sadder 19-1-B, Block 6, P.E.C.H.S, Off Shahra e Faisal, Plot no 171 ,Shahrah-E-iraq, Saddar, Karachi Karachi Phone: 0092-21-35622001-6 Phone: 0092-21-34556814/34556861/34556881 Fax: 0092-21-35622007 Fax: 0092-21-34556886 Website:www.hotelcrowninn.com Email: [email protected] Hotel De Paris Excelsior hotel Plot No. 13, S-B/2, Mir Karamali Talpur Road, Saddar, Inverarity road Karachi, Pakistan Karachi, 74200 Phone: 0092-21-511386 Phone: 0092-21-5214204 Falcon Hotel Gulf Hotel Zaibunnisa Street,Saddar,Karachi, Pakistan, Pakistan Gulf Hotel Daudpota Road Saddar Karachi-74400 Pakistan Phone: 0092-21-35215933, 35677185 Phone:00 92-21-356-61235/39 Fax No: 0092-21-356-82388 EMail :[email protected],[email protected] Web Page: www.gulfhotel.webs.com Gillani Hotel Hotel Jabees Fatima Jinnah Road, Near Cantonment Station, Abdullah Haroon Road,Saddar Cantonment, Karachi, Pakistan. Phone(s) :0092-215212015/5212011/5678471 Phone:0092-021-5383329 Fax(s): 0092-21-5682354 Merry Lodge Guest House Paradise Hotel 13, Sunny Side Villas, 15-CL-8, Sunny Side Road, Civil Abdullah Haroon Road,Saddar, Karachi, Pakistan, Pakistan Lines, Karachi 0092-92-21-35680321 Karachi, Sindh Phone:0092-21-5220114 Fax:0092-21-5220112 Royal Inn Royal city 245-2-H BLOCK-6, P.E.C.H.S. Regal Chowk,Sarmad Road, Saddar, Karachi, Pakistan Phone:0092-334-3101990 Phone: 0092-21-5682378 Sarah hotel Hotel Sarawan 30-SB-6,Parr Street,Saddar, Karachi, Pakistan Raja Ghazanfar Ali Rd,Saddar,Karachi,Sindh,Pakistan Phone: 009292-21-35211513, 35218262 Phone: 0092-21-5216001 9 Hotel Shams Hotel Shaheen Fatima Jinnah Road, Cantonment Station, Saddar 44, Fatima Jinnah Road, Near Cantonment Station,

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Karachi, 74200 Cantonment, Karachi, 74200 Phone: 0092-21-5677322 Phone: 0092-21-5218291 Umpire Hotel Beach Luxury Hotel 35/36, Lilly Road, Near Cantonment Station, Molvi Tamizuddin Khan road, Karachi, Pakistan Cantonment, Karachi, 74200 UAN: 111-254-111 Phone: 0092-21-5213896, 5652991, 5653270 Phone: 0092-21-3561-1031 Fax: 0092-21-3561-1625 Email: [email protected] Carlton Hotel Faran Hotel Carlton Hotel Resort & Club, DC-5, off Zulfiqar Street # Shara-e-Faisal, Nursery, P.E.C.H.S, Karachi 1, DHA Phase VIII Karachi Phones: 0092-21-34532478-85 UAN (0092) 111 72 72 72 Fax: 0092-21-3452486-34545752 Phone:0092-21-5849172-86 Email: [email protected], [email protected], Fax: 0092-21-5849170-71 web: www.hotelfaran.com.pk E-Mail: [email protected] Days Inn Hotel Metropole 164,B.C.H.S.,Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karachi Club Road , 75520 Karachi, Pakistan Phone: 0092-21-34388140 Phone: 0092-21 512051 Website:www.daysinn.com.pk Fax: 0092-21-514301 Hotel Hilltop Mehran Hotel Dr. Mahmood Hussain Rd, Nr.Tariq Rd.Adj Ferozabad Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karachi. 75530 police StationLandmark,Karachi Phone: 0092–21 3566-085 Phone: 0092-21-4532440, 4532441, 4532442, 4532443, 4532444, 4542648 Fax: 0092-21-4539111 Midway house Pearl Continental hotel Stargate Road, Karachi Airport Karachi, Pakistan Club Road, Phone: 0092-21-4570371 PO Box# 8513, Karachi Fax: 0092-21-4571815 Phone: 0092-21-3568-5021 [50 lines], 111-505-505 Fax: 0092-21-3568-1835, 3568-2655 Email: [email protected]

MAJOR RESTAURANTS Del Frio Restaurant Karachi Salt n Pepper Village Atrium Mall, 249 Staff Lines, Zaibunnisa Street, Saddar 3-B, Beach Avenue, D.H.A, Opp:Khayaban-e Ittehad. Phone: 0321-8729919 Phone: 0092-21-35843121 Fax: 92-21-35840952 Website: http://www.saltnpepper.com.pk Port Grand Food Street Al Haaj Bundu Khan Jinnah Flyover, M.T. Khan Road, Karachi, Pakistan- Main M.A.Jinnah Road, near Numaish Sindhi Muslim 7400, Karachi, Pakistan-07400 Roundabout Phone: 0092-21-3586 3826 Phone: 0092-21 -7780612 Website: http://www.portgrand.com Hardee's Restaurant Dilpasand Board Office Block-D, Hyderi, North Nazimabad, Karachi, Pakistan Opp. Matric Board Office, Block-A, N.Nazimabad, Karachi Phone: 0092-21-36633853, 36633854 74700 Website: http://www.hardees.com Phone: 0092-021-36722441-7 Email: [email protected] Shan E Mughlia Lal Qila Dalmia Road, Old Driven-in Cinema, Karachi, Pakistan Opposite Awami Markaz, Main Shahrah-e-Faisal, Block 7 & Phone: 0092-213- 4823604 8,Karachi , Pakistan Phone: 0092-21-111525745 Fax: 021-34395860 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.lalqila.com Food Center Al-Habib Restaurant Nagan Chowrangi Burns Road Food Street, Saddar, Karachi R-76-77, Sector 15 A/4, Nagan Chowrangi Bufferzone Phone: 0092-21-111-000-606 Karachi, Pakistan Phone: 0092-21-36952567 UAN: 111-111-230 Eaton Foods BBQ Tonight 65-C, Phase 2, D.H.A. Karachi, Pakistan. Com. 5/1, Boating Basin, Clifton,Block-5, Karachi. Phone: 0092-21-3-779-1027, 3-779-1032 Phone: 0092-2135824471 Website: http://www.theeaton.com Fax: 021-35376963 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.bbqtonight.com

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Shaheen Shanwari Ronaq Mela Rashid Minhas road, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, D-4, Block 10-A, Main Rashid Minhas Road, Near Johar Mor, Pakistan Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi Pakistan. Phone: 021- 34601912 Phone: Tel: 0092 21-4992620, 4811146, 4226222 Website: http://www.ronaqmelarestaurant.com Biryani Centre Pizza Hut DHA PHASE V HEAD OFFICE - Plot No. 12-C, 26th MCR (Pvt.) Limited Franchisee of Pizza Hut, 7th Floor, Commercial Street, Tauheed Commercial Area, Phase Shahnaz Arcade, Shaheed-e-Millat Road, Karachi, Pakistan. V, DHA, Karachi, Pakistan Phone: 0092-21-111-241-241 Phone: 0092-21-35838582 Fax: 0092-21-34916022 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.pizzahut.net.pk Premier Biryani Mateen Foods Rashid Minhas Road, Block-10, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Bhayani Cloth Market, Block M, North Nazimabad Karachi Karachi Sindh, Pakistan Phone: 0092-21-34975818 Phone: 0092-21-36647016 Nandos Hot n Spice KDA Scheme 5 Kehkashan, Clifton, Next to The Forum, 18 -C, Lane No. 3, Stadium Commercial Area, Khayaban-e Karachi, Pakistan Shamsheer, Phase V DHA, Karachi Phone: 0092-21-111-626-367 Phone: 0092-21-35347335, 35843930 Website: http://www.nandos.com Email: [email protected] Mr Burger Karachi Pizza1 One Block 5, Service lane; Suit # 5 1st Floor Fl-4/20 block 5; Shaheed-e-Millat Road, Karachi Pakistan-57600 Gulshan-e-iqbal Nipa Karachi, Pakistan Phone: 0092-21-34321370-74 Phone: 0092-92-21-34962830 Website: http://www.pizza1one.com/ Kaybee Snacks Papa Johns Pizza Karachi Kaybee Terrace, Stadium Market Lane No. 3 Khyaban- 30-C, lane # 3, Kh-e-Rahat PH-VI, D.H.A e-Shamsheer, D.H.A. Authority Phase V, Karachi , Phone: 0092-21-35342754, 111-46-7272 Pakistan Website: http://www.papajohns.com.pk Phone: 0092-215350403, 5350404, 5343120 Website: http://kaybeesnacks.com Red Apple Restaurant Karachi Jharoka Restaurant Karachi 126-u Block 2 pechs on main Allama iqbal Road off Regent Plaza Hotel & Convention Centre Main Shahra-e- TARIQ ROAD Faisal Phone: 0092-21-34312812-5, 021-343128125 Phone: 0092-21-111-111-774 Website: http://www.redapple.com.pk Haleem Ghar Mirage Buffet Restaurant Karachi 1397, Block-14, Dastgir, F.B.Area 2 Darya, Foods Street Devils Point, Phase 8 D.H.A Sea View Phone: 0092-21-6329197 Phone: 0092-21-32046900 Karachi Haleem Restaurant Jan'S Broasted Chicken Pak Mansion, Burns Road, Shahrah-e-Liaquat,Saddar, Raja Ghazanfar Ali Road, Saddar, Karachi. Karachi Phone: 92-21-5213685 Phone: 0092-21-32633659, 32633584 Website: http://jansbroast.com Charcoal BBQ n Grill Restaurant Karachi Daily Dubai Restaurant Karachi Beach Avenue, Phase VIII, DHA, Karachi Badar Commercial Street 10, DHA Phase 5 Defence Phone: 0323-200104547 Phone: 0092-21-35244018 Indus Foods Master Broast Restaurant Karachi 11-C, Stadium Lane # 2, DHA Phase 5,Opposite DHA Boat Basin Clifton Karachi Zamzama Stadium Phone: 0345-2448886, 0346-2726649 Phone: 0092-21-5343100-2 Kolachi Restaurant Karachi Arizona Grill Beach View Road, Phase VIII, DHA 20-C, 2nd Commercial Lane, Main Zamzama Boulevard, Ph- Phone: 0092-021-36131113/32003628/36069645 V, DHA, Karachi, Pakistan Phone: 0092-21-5830351 Copper Kettle Lavish Dine 3rd Commercial Lane, Mall Square Zamzama, Phase 5, Main Rashid Minhas Road, Gulshan-e-Jamal, Near Defence Karachi, Pakistan Millienium mall, Karachi, Pakistan Phone: 0092-021-35878886, 35878887 Phone: 0092-213-34601406 Subway McDonald's FLURY'S FOOD PRODUCTS - 1st Floor, Karim SIZA Foods (Pvt) Ltd. Lakson Square Building # 2, Sarwar Chamber, Merewether Road, Civil Lines, Karachi, Shaheed Road, Karachi Pakistan Phone: 0092-21-1112-44-622 Phone: 0092-21-5682161 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.mcdonalds.com.pk Ideal Foods Revolving Restaurant 290/A, Al Freed Street, Garden West Karachi, 74200 Caesars Tower 16th Floor Main Shahrah-e-Faisal Karachi, Phone: 0092-21-2255079 Pakistan

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Phone: 0092-21-32785147 Email: [email protected] Website: http://therevolvingrestaurant.com Jamils Foods Usmania Jameels Foods 136, C.P.Berar Society, Dhoraji Colony University Road, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Opposite PIA Planetarium. Karachi Phone: 0092-21-4982525 Phone: 0092-021-34944910, 021-34920633 Sajjad Restaurant Lasania City Railway Colony Super Highway, Karachi, Pakistan D-1 Main Rashid Minhas Road, Opp: Toyota Eastern Phone: 0092-021-8267330 Showroom, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, Pakistan Phone: 0092-21- 4991157-4991156 Website: http://lasania.net/home.html Cool 90s Student Biryani Shahrah-e-jahangir block L North Nazimabad, Karachi ZC-57 Katrak Road Saddar, Karachi 74400, Sindh, Pakistan Pakistan Phone: 0092-021-111-111-778 Phone: 0092-321-2777668 Fax: 0092-021-111-111-778 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.studentbiryani.com.pk/

 

            

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