The launch of this 129-page colored title, published for the first time in Arabic, coincides with an increase in Saudi tourists visiting Pakistan, a country whose tourism industry was plunged into turmoil because of the prolonged war on terrorism and domestic unrest.
“The publication of this Arabic title by a prominent media figure, Yousaf Safarallah, is an important step toward developing tourism ties with the Kingdom and introducing the tourism potential of Pakistan,” said Pakistani Ambassador Umar Khan Alisherzai, while launching the book.
He said that Pakistan was “rediscovering” its huge tourism potential, which includes its diverse cultures, peoples and landscapes. Tarek A. Miskhesh, managing editor of Urdu News, a sister publication of Arab News, was the chief guest.
A video presentation on tourism in Pakistan was also made during the event at Riyadh Palace Hotel, which was attended by a large number of Saudi officials, diplomats and tourism industry leaders.
The book, called “Pakistan — The Land of Seasons and Sceneries” was distributed free among the guests. Speaking on this occasion, Alisherzai called on Saudis to visit Pakistan, which is a land containing the fascinating ruins of ancient civilizations such as Mohenjodaro, Harappa and Taxila, as well as the Himalayan hill stations.
He appealed to people not to be swayed by “negative media reports and projections about Pakistan.” The diplomat pointed out that Pakistan had been ranked as one of the top 25 tourism destinations in the world today.
He appreciated the efforts of Safarallah, who had brought out the first book on Pakistani tourism. “It is indeed a pioneering work,” said Alisherzai, while speaking about the book. “Pakistan is endowed with rare tourism attractions including several mountain peaks, the second highest peak and many historical monuments,” said Safarallah.
He said that Pakistan was rich in architecture and nature, including fortresses and towers as well as the Hunza and Chitral valleys.
Safarallah said that the Punjab in Pakistan was also the site of Alexander’s battle on the Jhelum River. The historic city of Lahore is considered Pakistan’s cultural center and has many examples of Mughal architecture such as the Badshahi Masjid, Shalimar Gardens, Tomb of Jahangir and the Lahore Fort, he noted. “My work will, in fact, serve as a basic reference book for tourists,” he added.
