JUI-F minister to launch Islamic tourism in Pakistan
March 28, 2009
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Tourism Maulana Attaur Rehman is ambitiously optimistic of attracting foreign tourists to Pakistan through what he calls “Islamic and health tourism” instead of offering free access to liquor and other immoral acts considered sources of enjoyment in the west.
In a chat with The News on Friday, Attaur Rehman claimed closing down the last alcohol-sale point at the state-run Fleshman’s Hotel in Rawalpindi by imposing a complete ban on its availability through official channels.
“Definitely, the ban can result in financial losses, which will be compensated by implementing new ideas such as promotion of health tourism in the fist step and pure Islamic tourism in the second phase,” argued the minister, who said no religion allowed liquor consumption or indulgence in immoral practices.
“These practices are preferred in many countries to lure tourists but we, the JUI-F, will prove this notion incorrect,” he promised. Since every foreign tourist followed a religion, he/she was had a religious obligation to shun liquor and other immoral practices, he reasoned.
“I don’t think that tourism is necessarily linked to alcoholic drinks; there are certain other things that can be more effective (in promoting this sector),” remarked JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s younger brother.
With regard to ‘health’ tourism, he pointed out the treatment of different diseases in Pakistan was much cheaper than in other countries, particularly in Europe and the so-called welfare states. “According to our assessment, the treatment of an ailment costing $90,000 in the west can be provided for $3,000 in Pakistan. We, therefore, have floated the idea of health tourism; all hospitals will be taken on board in this regard.”
In an attempt to prove his point, Attaur Rehman pointed out India, Sri Lanka and some other countries were using cheaper treatment for different ailments to lure foreign picnickers.
“At this stage, figures of foreign exchange earnings may not be believable to many, but they will be known in the near future. Our ideas, if implemented, will not only make up for the losses (resulting from the ban on liquor use), they will also earn the country a good name in the comity of nations,” he added.
Included in his repertoire of ideas are the Islamic culture and values. The JUI-F leader plans to set up Islamic art galleries on the pattern of Lok Virsa. “These art galleries will give a true picture of Islam.”
In response to a question about expected resistance to his moves, Attaur Rehman said the JUI-F had arrangements with its partners, particularly with the PPP, to ensure implementation of its policies in the ministries under its control.
“No one in the government has resisted the total ban on the sale of liquor at tourist points and, therefore, we don’t expect any hurdle to other steps that we want to take,” he asserted, alleging state-run tourism hotels and motels were sold at throwaway prices. “We are bound to remain within the limits defined by our religion without caring about losses (caused by his actions),” he said.