Washington DC, 25 February 2022 (TDI): The Embassy of Pakistan in the United States hosted a webinar on Pakistan Heritage. The online session was made in collaboration with the International Friendship Club to boost Pakistan tourism.
This event is the fourth edition of the webcast Series on tourism in Pakistan named “A Journey through Pakistan’s Heritage”. At the virtual session, the Ambassador of Pakistan to the US, Asad Majeed Khan, and other officials and non-official participants were present.
Apart from Ambassador Asad’s participation, the Managing Director, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Aftab-UR-Rehman Rana, and renowned experts in archaeology, history, and architecture including, Professor Jean Gardner. Moreover, Dr. Asma Ibrahim, Zain Mustafa, and President of the International Friendship Club, Shaista Mahmood.
Session course
All the participants interacted by speaking and exchanging about Pakistan’s rich civilizational heritage and cultural diversity. These two points are elements that make the country a heavenly touristic destination.
Firstly, in Ambassador Asad’s welcoming remarks, he said that the events are part of the Embassy’s efforts to provide opportunities to people in the U.S to discover Pakistan. He added that Pakistan’s huge potential in tourism has been acknowledged by credible international magazines and organizations. For instance, the British Backpacker Society, Condé Nast, and Forbes.
Furthermore, he added that virtual opportunities in tourism helped the country tourism during the pandemic session. However, the experience in person is the best. Ambassador Khan reiterated that the Pakistani government will facilitate tourism access by easing the visa process. All to help tourists to be able to enjoy Pakistan tourism experience.
Secondly, the Managing director of PTDC Aftab-UR- Rehman Rana, made a presentation to show the cultural heritage and tourism potentials.
Thirdly, Jean Gardner, Professor Emerita of Earth History and Architecture, observed that Pakistan’s heritage is relevant to global history. So thanks to that, Gardner invited foreign tourists, including those from the U.S to visit Pakistan to experience the culture and archeological treasures.
Furthermore, Dr. Asma Ibrahim, an Archeologist & Museologist, urged the audience to visit well-known sites spread throughout Pakistan.
Then, Zain Mustafa, an Architect, shares his experience of building bridges to introduce Pakistan’s rich archeology and cultural heritage artifacts to the world.
Additionally, Shaista Mahmood, President of IFC, remarked that Pakistan could offer splendid views. For example, the mountainous terrain of Khyber Pakhtunkwa to deserts and vast Plains.
Finally, Ambassador Asad and MD-PTDC, assured the audience that they would provide facilitation to those interested in visiting Pakistan.
Other Participants
Moreover, many U.S tourism sector representatives work as tour operators, travel agents, influencers, travel journalists, and some members of the Pakistan diaspora.
Last but not least, the session concluded with Q&A, where more details were provided on various aspects o the session.
