G-B’s pristine beauty lures tourists: Firdous

SAPM on information says govt preserving the region as tourism hub

ISLAMABAD: Gilgit-Baltistan region is the shinning face of Pakistan Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Saturday.

Addressing an audience at Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) she said the government was focusing on G-B as part of its tourism strategy.

“PM Imran wants to bring the enlightened, moderate and progressive face of the G-B before the world,” said Awan while addressing the audience at Mystical Musical Colours of Karakoram at PNCA Auditorium.

She said the government aims to preserve, protect and present the potential of G-B to the world while seeking tourists’ attention towards to the untouched beauty of the area.

Admitting that the people of the area are still deprived of their basic fundamental rights guaranteed in the constitution, she assured the gathering that it is the top most priority of Premier Imran to empower the people Gilgit Baltistan.

Referring to the strategic location of the region, Awan said, "People of G-B are defence shield of Pakistan and their sacrifices for the country are written in the history with golden words." Awan appreciated the support of Italian Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo to the Burushaski Research Academy for their work to promote the culture of Gilgit Baltistan.

The artists, vocalists and singers from the area are the true ambassadors of Pakistan, she said. Pakistan is a land of opportunity and full of capabilities but only challenge is that there is lack of opportunities for the people, however, the government is making efforts to create opportunities.

"Let me appreciate your role as one of the helping partner as one of the donor and you have really given your all best possible assistance support and grant for this organization", she said.

About Burushaski Research Academy, Awan said that it was spreading a message of love for humanity through their tremendous work.

She said humanity is above than religion and our Holy Prophet (PBUH) was a champion of human rights who gave a message of love for humanity.

She further said that God created a system of punishment and reward right after creating a human being.

Everybody has to pass through the process of punishment and reward to become a good human being. The problems and challenges, people face were temporary and a passage to a brighter future.

Italian Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo, Mountaineer Nazir Sabir, Burushaski Research Academy Head Ghulam Qadir Beg and PNCA Director General Fouzia Saeed were also present on the occasion.

Gilgit-Baltistan artists Maher, Amberin, Abid Karim, Gul Bahar and Gulbaz presented the marvelous poetry of Allama Nasiruddin Hanzai, which was greatly appreciated by the audience. 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2020.