Pakistan to become hub of tourism: Fawad

JHELUM: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Sunday said due to multiple initiatives taken by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, the country would become the hub of tourism.

Addressing a ceremony held in connection with Jashn-e-Jhelum at Rohtas Fort, the minister said the government had identified 16 cultural events to be celebrated at official level, which included Kailash Mela in Chitral, Qawwali Festival in Islamabad during the holy month of Ramzan, Sachal Sarmast Urs in Sindh, Mela Chiraghan in Lahore, and others.

“Pakistan is a beautiful country, which is misunderstood by many. It is a country of mountains. It has a history. It is a country of religions,” he said. He said on the right side of the Jhelum city there was Mangla Fort while on its left Tillah Jogian and Katas Raj were located. The Buddha religion had its origin from the area, he added.

Welcoming the foreign guests, Fawad said the area had rich history, with being an abode of beautiful people. Jhelum was a beautiful city as it was a land of warriors and kings. The origin of word India, he said, was actually attributed to the area. He said the Rohtas Fort had its historical importance in South Asian. Several such places in the area could attract tourists.

The minister expressed the hope that the initiatives like Jashan-e-Jehlum would be translated into much bigger things and the country would ultimately become the hub of tourism very soon.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan was taking keen interest to promote the tourism and several innovative steps were being taken in that regard by the government. The minister welcomed the distinguished guests, including diplomats, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri, Corps Commander Mangla, Information Secretary Shafqat Jaleel, journalists and the local notables.

A 28-minute documentary on the history of Jhelum from Alexander the Great to date was also shown to the audience. Foreign dignitaries and media persons were also sensitized about the history of the gigantic fort built on the order of Sher Shah Suri in 1541 AD. A sound and light show was arranged, narrating the history of fort, to promote the country's rich cultural heritage.