The foreign tourists came from different countries including Ireland and Canada. PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/HUNZAGUIDESPAKISTAN
Gunmen dressed as paramilitary forces had killed 10 foreign tourists on June 23 in an unprecedented attack in the Himalayas of Gilgit-Baltistan. The gunmen stormed into a base camp, killing Chinese and Ukrainian climbers in an area of the far-flung north not previously associated with violence or militancy.
"The incident targeting foreign tourists is condemnable. But our spirit is high. We will continue our mission," said one of the foreign tourists talking to media at the Chaklala airport.
The foreign tourists flew from Islamabad to Skardu to continue their activities in various parts of the mountainous region.
The foreign tourists came from different countries including Ireland and Canada.
Regardless of the deteriorating law and order situation, Pakistan continues to attract foreign tourists to the country. In 2012, around one million foreigners visited Pakistan.
Bodies of two tourists airlifted to China
The bodies of two Chinese tourists were airlifted to China Thursday after being autopsied here at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
The bodies were handed over to their families in the presence of diplomats by the hospital administration, which were later transported to Noor Khan Airbase Chaklala.
Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources Jam Kamal Khan escorted the bodies to China.
PIMS spokesman Wasim Khawaja said the bodies had been embalmed to save them from decomposition.
On June 23, nine foreign tourists, besides a Pakistani guide were shot dead in a pre-dawn attack at a Nanga Parbat base camp in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Around a dozen militants gunned down the tourists, including two Chinese, a Chinese-American, five Ukrainians and a Russian.
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Correction: In an earlier version of this story, Czechoslovakia was mentioned as a country. The error has been fixed.
COMMENTS (69)
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I am from Lithuania, one of the alpinists killed in the attack was also from Lithuania. All I can say that I am deeply shocked, and saddened by what happened. The mountains have always been something of a sanctuary that is beyond the religion or country. This is a place that transcends religion, the rational mind, politics and all other things happening on the ground. I imagine this is why people go the mountains... To liberate themselves from these pre-constructed conceptions, to reach the deeper levels of consciousness that connects humanity, rather than separates it.
And now this happened.
The alpinist killed actually had an interview with the journalist before going to Pakistan, and the reporter asked whether he felt safe going there, with all the political instability. What he said was that despite the news reports, he feels very safe there, and people are friendly and supportive. While I appreciate Pakistan doing a proper investigation, I am afraid the "I told you not to go there" sentiment was overwhelmingly boosted now.
@sherrry: "bad news for india"
Yes. Very very very bad news. 25 tourists have arrived in Pakistan. :-)
They crazy
We appreciate your efforts and generosity to visit Pakistan despite of the recent killings. But c'mon Government a tleast provide these chaps some security!! IF you love Pakistan and want to save some of the tourism left in these areas please for Heaven sake provide them security! May be some gunmen with the group of people..
GREAT Decision much appreciated
Kudos to the tourist, the state should provide them security now..
@Water Bottle: Thank you for exposing your own Indian face!
Hearty congratulations to Pakistan for this great achievement of getting 25 tourists!
@misbah: Because of the $$$$
@muhammad zahid: And India got 10 times that number.
Poor tourists.Hope they dont have the same fate.
Well what everyone seems to misunderstnd is the fact that things are not as bad as they are depicted. Because it is not like every city of Pakistan is blazing in fire, yes we have problems but then pray tell me who hasn't got them, you have as much chance for getting shot down in a dark alley of LA or Texas or London or Prague or Berlin as in Gilgit or Daymer or Kashmir( infact more I would rather say) For the staunch support that these foreigners r gonna provide to Pakistan for its cause, I salute them,
I bet 20 out of those 25 are intelligence agents :)
Now its the responsibility of government that only provide them security but also project the positive image of Pakistan through these tourists and media should also encourage them !!
The headline says the story very aptly. The fact that 25 'foreigners' arrived in a country of almost 200 Million is the topmost news headline itself tells the tragedy of Pakistan. Like we lost all international Cricket after the Sri Lankan attack, no matter what level of security we promise to the visitors - it is too late now. The opportunity is lost.
Also, the 1.2 Million foreign visitos is misleading. Out of those, most likely 1.15 Million were Pakistani origin Britishers, American, Canadians etc.
Provide Kalashnikov AK-47s with RPGs, and 1000 rounds of ammo to foreign visitors on arrival in Pakistan so they can defend themselves while visiting the country. They can then hand them back in when they leave Pakistan.
Is this news sarcasm?
For God Sake provide them security guards who can climb up there with them.
@Baba Ji Hats off to the thrill seekers ….Indians … are you listening !!!!
There is no need for that. Just pray that these people stay alive. And dont expect the state to provide them security because it cant provide the same for its own people. Seriously, what drives you people to make such statement ? Dont you think the matter is too serious.
Good friggin job, reporting this ET. This'll make it easier for Taliban to pin point these guys. STOP reporting this stuff please.
Where is the unit that attacked srilankan team?
There were two Slovak mountain climbers among the victims. I suppose they were bracketed with the Ukrainians by the author of this article. And yes - since September 1st, 1993. Czechoslovakia desn't exist anymore.
I don't understand that why this news has been publicized? Is it to put the life of other tourists in danger as well? Because the killers are not yet captured and we don't have any deficiency of crazy people anyways.
BRAVO to these daring people. And shame on this terrorist filth that we are breeding in our country in the name of Islam. This stigma on Pakistan's forehead is caused so much pain and suffering in virtually every walk of life in and outside Pakistan. Talibans and their cohorts have nothing to do with Islam. They are actually serial killers and psychopaths who have invented a Misreadingof Islam which is dripping with negative tribal values and bad traditions.
While it is good to see that the 25 foreigner mountaineers are willing to visit the places that may be remote and dangerous, is it a good thing? Judging by all the efforts and state resources/machinery used by law & order, army ,security personals and local/national politicians during the recent killing of the mountaineers, Is the price paid by this poor nation for facilitating their dangerous adventure worth it? Consider: 1. We will have to provide them unprecedented security perhaps similar to VVIP protocol. 2. If they do get in harms way, attacked, kidnapped etc. We will have to move the entire state machinery and move to and fro all the high level politicians & security higher-ups using helicopter etc. 3. Even if we are able to protect them with VVIP security protocol and are able to foil an attack, we will still get a bad press around the world. 4. Comparing the expense and potential fallout of an attack (god forbid) on these adrenal junkie foreigners, to the benefit in terms of $$ received by the nation, is it worth it?
We have to for now declare these a no go area! Or you are 'on your own' areas. The army first has to go after all the good,bad and ugly talibans and lashkars. Stop meddling in afghanistan via 'strategic depth'. This is the only permanent solution to our tourism woes, the rest of the efforts are just feel good band-aids!
25 . Thats it . Lol
You are insulting yourself telling that "25 foreigners visited pakistan",even in afghanistan or somalia, this is even a news at all that foreigners visited there country !!
It will be a blunder on our part if we begin to think that the dust has settled,simply because a few foreigners have arrived for tourist mission.Most of the northern areas are still waiting to see the good old days,and we have done nothing yet to bring the situation there to normal
@iknow: Yes iknow.
It shows terrorism will have to die!
It is possible that 1 million tourists visited Pakistan. 400 or 700 visas for foreigners were issued just in one day. Source: Memogate.
We kill our citizens and we kill tourists but don't worry, the tourists together with their money is coming. So lets not take any action against militants as long as the money is coming :). We have become a lost nation thanks to the tribal thinking of the majority.
These are esteemed guests who recognize the northern beauty of the Pakistan's mountains. What they are doing is brave, but even more, this is a signal that we cannot let those who try to destroy Pakistan's travel industry succeed! As guests, Pakistan should ensure safety for them. We embrace their visit and are thankful and we wish for them to enjoy their travels.
Surely the Pakistan has to offer more than these tourists are getting at the bottom.
If only the government can figure that out and exploit the potential..
Bravo. Take a leaf out of these brave Tourists. Rise up for Pakistan's sake. Before it is too late.
Pakistan is a great mountain destination. Welcome to Pakistan!
It better not to report about it as it may signal an alarm to the forces that don't want such visits, i hope they are provided with the security they deserve and extra efforts are put in to ensure that they are treated well.
Request to Government: Please for God's sake, protect these tourists and also our northern areas which are indeed beautiful. On second note, we should also protect all our ancient heritage.
We have already lost Quaid's residency in Ziarat. Baloch are our brothers and we will never let them suffer again!
Pakistan Zindabad!
@Randomstanger: People who have passion don't fear, climbing Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush means you do prepare yourself to die. These are brave people and deserve appreciation at least.
@p r sharma: same should be apply to the female foreigners visiting INDIA......
very good they must be given all sureties to go and we can do that,no need to create panic,chase the identified killer and bury them there & then .
@Randomstranger: "They must have a suicide wish.." Oh com'on Dude all the foreigners will not be killed in Pakistan as all the foreigners will not be raped in INDIA.... isn't it ??
But all expeditions have been banned +++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I want to shake their hands. Adventure and nature enthusiastic. I hope they have a safe journey here and get back home safe and good.
@iknow: Where I can see Czechoslovakia in the post above, It's saying Canada and Ireland.
Despite, What wrong with u ET.
Thanks Media and ET for telling terrorist they have arrive putting there life in danger.
In 2012, around one million foreigners visited Pakistan. I think 99% of them were diplomats or employees of NGOs and the UN. The remaining 1% came for weddings and "tourism".
there r more then 1million Pak origion foreigner,it must more then 95 of them who visit Pak, there purpos was to visit family not tourisim, look at our capital its very rarely happened if we see just 1foreigner. On the other hand,indonesia get 9million tourist in 2012.
They must have a suicide wish..
Attempts to isolate Pakistan will not succeed. The foreigners has expressed their solidarity with Pakistan by coming here.
Provide them high profile security!!!
Hi ET, In 2012, around one million foreigners visited Pakistan.? Is this report correct?
why??
Good news, Fairy medows itself is a safe place and people are very loving and caring, We have to promote our tourism. As a citizen of Pakistan, It is our moral duty to provide security to the foreigne tourists.
Now, its the responsibility of the State to provide them security.
Will these foreign tourists will continue their move or decide otherwise, will depends upon the security cover made available to them. and their risk taking ability.
Welcome guests!! We appreciate your decision to visit our land against all the odds!
Czechoslovakia is not a country anymore.
Now what do we call it. They are not scared or there is some thing black in the bottom.
They're very brave...