Kalka Devi Temple: The Legacy of Hindu Temples in Pakistan
Situated near Sukkur, the Kalka Devi Temple embodies the enduring legacy of the past in contemporary times, reflecting Pakistan’s rich history and cultural identity.
Built in the 1920s by Hemraj Kewalramani, the temple’s architecture blends Islamic and Hindu styles, featuring intricate carvings and paintings depicting Hindu mythology.
Despite being an important site for Hindu pilgrims, the temple’s visitors are mostly Muslim tourists. Today, the temple symbolizes unity and interfaith understanding, preserving Pakistan’s diverse heritage amidst environmental threats and commercial pressures.
[Video] The Constitution, Crisis, & Tourism in Kashmir | A Conversation with Midhat Shahzad
Join us as we speak to Mrs. Midhat Shahzad, the former Secretary for Tourism, Information, and IT for the Govt. of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. We discuss the special status of Kashmir & GB, the constitution, the ongoing development work, and the increased focus on tourism in Kashmir.
Khunjerab Pass of Pakistan: Adventure and History Unite
Khunjerab Pass, nestled in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range, is a stunning mountain pass linking Pakistan and China.
Located in the Gilgit-Baltistan area and standing at 4,693 meters (15,397 feet) above sea level, Khunjerab Pass is one of the world’s highest paved border crossings.
TafreeGo: Transforming Tourism in Pakistan and Empowering Underprivileged Communities on the Go!
TafreeGo is a travel startup that has positioned itself to guide both locals and foreign tourists in Pakistan. All you need is the TafreeGo app to request a tour guide for the area of your choice.
With its projects being featured in the GSEA (Global Student Entrepreneur Award) and National Idea Bank by the President of Pakistan, TafreeGo has been able to gain national and international recognition.
As a startup that is firmly committed to responsible tourism, it drives change by empowering local communities and protecting the environment.
Astola Island of Pakistan: The Mysterious Island in the Arabian Sea
Astola Island in Balochistan province is Pakistan’s largest offshore island, with a sizeable tilted plateau and seven hillocks.
The island has long been a hidden gem of Pakistan, and because of its remote location, the remarkable beauty and serenity of the island have remained unblemished.
GOHO Rooms: Transforming the Hospitality Industry in Pakistan
With the aim of transforming the hospitality industry in Pakistan, GOHO Rooms is partnering with existing hotels to digitize hotel operations – making them more accessible. With over 500 rooms in Pakistan already, they are planning to operate around 2,500 rooms by the end of 2023.
Can Pakistan’s Tourism Exceed the Maldives’?
Pakistan is striving to develop maritime tourism to broadcast its image as a tourist-friendly country and to prosper economically. The authors, Akseer Ali Saif Janjua, Sarah Kiyani, Saliha Waseem, and Saqib Ameen, explore the country’s tourism potential, and the development carried out in the sector by comparing it to the Republic of Maldives—a country which was once considered unsuitable for tourism but is now one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
Attabad Lake in Hunza Valley: A Miracle in Tragedy
In 2010, a disastrous landslide claimed the lives of 20 people in the Gojal region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. This very landslide resulted in the water from the Hunza River being blocked for five months and formed one of the most beautiful lakes in Pakistan – the Attabad Lake. Today, the existence of Attabad Lake reminds many of the tragic loss of life but its beautiful turquoise water surrounded by snow-capped mountains also provides tourists and locals with a sense of tranquility. The author, Alina Fayaz, notes that the treetops in the middle of the lake are a constant reminder of the natural disaster which created the lake. She explains that despite the lake’s history, the scenic view of the lake and the numerous tourist activities attract foreign and local tourists alike.
The Ruins of Mohenjo Daro – Pakistan’s Epic History
The city of Mohenjo Daro, constructed in 2500 BCE, is a crucial aspect of Pakistan’s history and culture. The ruins of Mohenjo Daro once formed a part of South Asia’s Indus Valley civilization. Since its excavation in the 1920s, Mohenjo Daro has continued to surprise historians and archeologists. The authors, Ziyad Sheikh and Noor Ul Huda, note that although the city was built more than 4500 years ago, it had a proper drainage system, advanced architecture, a well-planned street grid, a trade network that contributed to its wealth, and one of the earliest public baths in the pre-modern era. The authors explain that despite there being numerous speculations as to why the city declined, researchers have failed to find the actual reason for the city’s fall.
The Tourism Potential of the Northern Areas in Pakistan
Pakistan is home to 5 out of the top 14 peaks of the world, including K2 –the second-highest mountain on Earth. The vast and beautiful mountain ranges of Pakistan attract local and foreign tourists to the state. The northern areas of Pakistan, in particular, draw the attention of mountaineers and hiking enthusiasts. The author, Muhammad Hamza Sharif, notes that although the northern areas of Pakistan hold great tourism potential, the state’s tourism industry has failed to recognize it. Where states like Oman, Nepal, Switzerland, and the UAE have utilized their mountain ranges to generate a large amount of revenue, Pakistan has not developed its northern areas enough to take on a massive number of tourists – foreign or local. Keeping in mind the problems faced by Pakistan’s tourism sector, the author suggests ways to not only improve tourism in Pakistan but also to generate revenue from it
The Graveyard of Makli: An Exuberant Necropolis
Have you ever seen a magnificent graveyard? If you haven’t, there’s one in Pakistan – the Makli Necropolis. UNESCO even granted the site world heritage status.
With architecture spanning four dynasties, Makli’s monuments and tombs portray a union of religion, culture, spirituality, and beauty.
The Untapped Potential of Tourism in Pakistan
From natural to cultural attractions, Pakistan’s tourism industry holds limitless untapped potential. Even as international travel journals & bloggers play an impactful role in attracting attention to the country’s vast scenic landscapes, substantial national investment in the sector can lead to great economic and social benefits for the country.
Holy Places of Sikhism: The Guru Nanak’s Gift to Pakistan
The legacy of the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak, can be felt throughout the subcontinent. Pakistan, in particular, is blessed with some of the most spiritually significant places for Sikhs. The Guru’s birthplace, his iconic handprint, the place where he miraculously made a spring appear, as well as where he passed on are all present in Pakistan. Thousands of Sikhs come from India to perform pilgrimage to these sites and since the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor, many more will join them.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Strengthening Ties, Tourism, & Trade
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the star project of the Belt and Road Initiative, holds immense potential for improved ties, increased tourism, and enhanced trade between the two countries. Moreover, due to the changing global travel policies and SOPs, particularly in the United States, Pakistan may become a more lucrative tourist destination for Chinese travelers.
Pakistan: A Struggling Economy Amidst the Coronavirus
Like all economies, Pakistan’s too has fallen ill to the coronavirus pandemic. The article specifically focuses on the impact the virus has had on Pakistan’s tourism sector, food & agriculture, SMEs, & also the manufacturing & mining sector.