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Editor's note:
Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has recently termed the improved security situation of Pakistan as a transformation from terrorism to tourism "absolutely remarkable", noting that Islamabad, which looked like a "fortress" a few years back, has now become a family station for the world body's staff.
"We are witnessing the state becoming present, both from the point of view of security [... and] basic service, development in an absolutely remarkable transformation," the UN chief said at National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) on Feb 17, who was on his maiden 4-day official trip to the southern Asian nation.
"I can see how Pakistan not only opened its borders, in a world where so many borders are closed, but Pakistani people open their houses and their hearts in [an] enormous demonstration of generosity," he said while referring to the influx of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
He also spoke at the international conference '40 Years of Hosting Afghan Refugees in Pakistan', where he insisted that the world "must recognize that international support for Pakistan has been minimal as compared to [its own] national efforts" for Afghan refugees.
"At the same time, I have seen the commitment of Pakistan to peace, namely to support peace in Afghanistan," he added.
He also praised Pakistan's role and contribution to UN-Peace missions.
Today, Pakistan has been transformed completely into a tourist destination. Thanks to its unique natural beauty, it has been attracting many foreign tourists. Many western countries like the US and the UK have declared Pakistan a safe country and a family station for their diplomatic community. The statement of the UN Secretary-General is considered as certification that Pakistan is a safe country.
Pakistan used to be a victim of terrorism, which started since the entry of troops from former-USSR into Afghanistan in 1979, and the intensity gained momentum from 2000 to 2014, with a peak in 2009. Only in 2009, the worst of any year, 2,586 terrorist, insurgent, and sectarian-related incidents were reported that killed 3,021 people and injured 7,334 others, according to the "Pakistan Security Report 2009" published by PIPS. The casualty figures were 48 percent higher as compared to 2008. Also, the rate of suicide attacks surged by one third to 87 bombings that killed 1,300 people and injured 3,600.
Traditionally, Pakistan was a very peaceful state and the people of Pakistan were known for its peace, hospitality, stability, and tolerance. In the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, Pakistan was heaven for foreign tourists, especially from the western world. Pakistan is blessed with natural beauty, high mountains, glaciers, rivers, beaches, jungles, deserts, archaeological, historical and religious places. Pakistan’s society is famous for the acceptance of foreigners with different backgrounds, religions, cultures, and ethnicities. In history, Pakistan absorbed various cultures, especially the national language of Pakistan “Urdu” is a mixture of Arabic, Persian and Turkish. The typical Pakistani cultures have roots from Central Asia, the Arabian Peninsula and Greek-Alexander the Great. The one century-long British rule has westernized the Pakistani society, which was once a member of the commonwealth country with English language and culture being dominating visibly. By nature, Pakistanis have a peace-loving nature and the country is a rather submissive society.
Mountains and Glaciers of Pakistan
Pakistan is home to 108 peaks above 7,000 meters, probably 4,555 ones above 6,000 meters. There is also no count of the peaks above 5,000 and 4,000 m.
Five of the 14 highest independent peaks in the world (the 8,000 meters) are in Pakistan. Most of the highest peaks in the country lie in the Karakoram mountain range, but some peaks above 7,000 m are included in the Himalayan and Hindu Kush ranges. The second-highest, third-highest, fourth-highest, fifth-highest, and sixth-highest are all in Pakistan.
Pakistan is also home to glaciers and after North Pole/ South Pole, and the largest glaciers are located in Pakistan. Some of these areas below:
Siachen Glacier, Biafo Glacier, Baltoro Glacier, Batura Glacier, Hispar Glacier, Chogo Lungma Glacier, Rimo Glacier, Panmah Glacier, Khurdopin Glacier, and Sarpo Laggo Glacier. Pakistan is the most attractive destination for mountain and glacier lovers.
Archeological Sites of Pakistan
Discover some of the most interesting sites in Pakistan that have been highlighted by UNESCO, including palaces, religious sites, and historical settlements. All of these sites are incredible remnants of Pakistan’s diverse and extensive past, and visiting them will harbor a rich and cultural journey through the history of Pakistan. Gandhara Civilization, Mughal Empire, Buddhism, Sikhism and Hinduism can be witnessed through some of ancient archeological sites.
Religious Tourism
Fortunately, Pakistan is a sacred place for many different religions. The latest research revealed that the origin of Buddhism was from the area somewhere between the Afghanistan and Pakistan borders. The Archeological sites have proved that Buddhism traveled from Pak-Afghan border to Peshawar, Swat, Taxila, and toward India and finally traveled into China, Japan, Korea, and etc.
Many Hindu temples in Pakistan possessed a long history. The Sikh religion was originated from Pakistan too. Muslim Saints were part of our proud history. So religious tourism for Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Sikhs is a great attraction in Pakistan.
Culture and Diversity
Tourist could enjoy local culture, like music, food, dances, and handicrafts. Diversity is our uniqueness. Ever walking 50 kilometers, there is a visible difference in dialect, traditions, and culture. And the people of Pakistan are good hosts and friendly.
Traveling in Pakistan is safe, convenient, and economical. English is widely understood as it is our official language. Currency is easily convertible and no tax burden of tourists. Plan your next vacation to visit Pakistan and witness the transformation of Pakistan from a “Victim of Terrorism” to “Beneficiary of Tourism”.
However, due to the situation in Afghanistan in 1979, the US gathered Muslim youth from all over the world to Pakistan, providing them training, weapons, and dollars to fight against the Russian Forces in Afghanistan. This all was possible by radicalizing them. The US used the religion to charge these youths for “Jihad”. The Muslim scholars were paid to promote “Jihad” and textbooks taught in educational schools were modified to promote “Jihad”. The US has funded such scholars’ generously who preach for “Jihad”.
Cash and religion were used to exploit Muslim youths for “Jihad” (Holy War). And the Taliban involved in Jihad were treated as heroes. The White House was open for them and President Reagan hosted banquets in honor of the Taliban. Some of President Regan’s remarks on the Taliban have been denied recently, but it was well-known that the Taliban enjoyed the highest degree of respect and honor in the US during the Afghan War during the 1980s.
However, with the help of the Jihadis, the US won the war in Afghanistan and the former USSR withdraw its troops from the country in 1988-89, under an agreement. But unfortunately, the US also lost its interest in Afghanistan and left Pakistan alone to face the consequences of unstable Afghanistan.
Deliberately, the Pakistani society was radicalized. Intolerance, extremism, religious divide, ethnicity, and factionists were promoted. The US-funded individuals with an extremist ideology promoted a division in the society. Insurgency and separatist movements were supported and society was led toward chaos.
Since, the 16 December 2014 attack on an army-run school in Peshawar, which killed 150, mainly children, claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (Taliban Movement of Pakistan-TTP), was ostensibly a game-changer. A week later the government unveiled a new counter-terrorism strategy, the twenty-point National Action Plan (NAP), with Prime Minister and Army Chief, vowing to target all terror groups without distinction. The whole nation, above their political or religious affiliation, stood with the security forces to counter-terrorism. Finally, with a lot of hard work and public support, Pakistan managed to control terrorism.
Today, Pakistan has been transformed completely into a tourist destination. Due to its unique natural beauty, it has been attracting many foreign tourists. You are welcome to visit Pakistan for your next holidays, to feel and witness the transformation by yourself.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
