Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Engr.
Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman has said that the government is committed for the
promotion of tourism and development of tourist sites in the country.
The Federal
Minister was addressing “World Tourism Day 2017 Seminar on “Sustainable
Tourism-a Tool for Development and Photo Exhibition” organized by Pakistan
Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) in Rawalpindi on
Wednesday.
He said that the
federal government has started work to revive new tourism policy as tourism is
very important sector.
Baligh Ur Rehman
said that peace is vital for tourism and the improved law and order situation
in the country has certainly paved way for positive changes to come including a
healthy influx of international visitors to Pakistan.
He noted that
number of both the domestic and international tourists has increased after
restoration of peace in the country.
The Federal
Minister hoped that as tourism is devolved subject now, provinces would
efficiently work for the promotion of tourism.
He said the
government’s steps for promotion of tourism will help for gearing up our
tourism industry to become a major sector of national economy in near future.
He said that promotion of tourist activities could help in
strengthening the national economy and putting country on the road to progress
and development.
Balig Ur Rehman said that Pakistan provides an opportunity to
the tourists to see the natural sights, ancient civilizations and experience
the great diversity of culture of people of this land.
Natural beauty of
Pakistan is unmatched. Pakistan is blessed with tremendous potential for the
development of tourism in all four provinces, Azad Kashmir and
Gilgit-Baltistan. The country is blessed with a variety of terrain, climate,
fauna, flora combined with rich blend of socio-cultural diversity, he added.
Earlier,
President Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan, Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana gave
presentation on Tourism in Pakistan and Sustainable Tourism.
President
Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PAT) Syed Sajjad Hussain Shah and Member
PTDC Board of Directors Irfanullah also spoke on the occasion.
Later, Federal
Minister Engr. Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman inaugurated Photo Exhibition.