With an objective to promote tourism potential of Pakistan in Turkey, a documentary titled “Amazing Pakistan” was launched at an event attended by a large number of guests including Turkish dignitaries, diplomats, tour operators and media representatives on Monday evening.
Welcoming guests at the event, Ambassador of Pakistan Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi said Pakistan is blessed with immense tourism potential. He informed that the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index ranks Pakistan at the 24thposition in regional ranking out of 122. He said Pakistan is a nation with diverse cultural heritage and rich historical, religious and spiritual background. Pakistan is a country with awe-inspiring landscapes, ranging from magnificent mountains, to lush plains and enchanting deserts, he added.
Ambassador Qazi noted that Pakistan is the cradle of three ancient civilizations – Mehrgarh, Indus Valley and Gandhara. He said Pakistan has the second highest number of peaks above 8,000 meters in the world including the second highest, K-2. Pakistan also has the largest glaciers on the globe outside the polar region. These mountains and glaciers offer a tremendous attraction for adventurers.
Member Parliament and Chairman of Pakistan-Turkey Friendship Group Mr. Ali Şahin, in his remarks said Pakistan is an amazing mosaic of culture and life. Ali Şahin, who spent seven years in Pakistan for bachelor and master studies, said Pakistan is a marvellous picture that God has painted on the shores of the Indian Ocean. “Your mind perceives people and a country that you desire to see – I saw such a Pakistan in my eyes and soul and loved it too much,” he added.
Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey Ms. Özgül Özkan Yavuz on the occasion said the nature, history and cultural heritage of Pakistan has always created curiosity and interest amongst the people of Turkey. She said with its rich cultural heritage and wonderful nature where four seasons can be seen together, Pakistan has great tourism potential. She announced that a delegation of experts and senior officials of the Ministry of Culture & Tourism will soon visit Pakistan to explore opportunities of collaboration in tourism sector.
“Amazing Pakistan” documentary, comprising 5 episodes and representing the four provinces of Pakistan as well as Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, is being telecast on Turkish State Television – TRT Belegesel.