'Northern areas of Pakistan are the best place for tourism'

LONDON: Renowned British historian and author William Dalrymple has said the northern areas of Pakistan are the best place and most fascinating tourist destinations.

He was speaking on Wednesday at an event “Pakistan: Travel’s Best Kept Secret” held at the Pakistan High Commission in London jointly organised by the diplomatic mission and Wild Frontiers founder Jonny Bealby.

William Dalrymple shared a fascinating account of his family visit to northern areas of Pakistan recently. He said be it places, food or local hospitality, all was extra-ordinary and beautiful that he will always cherish.

He further said it was encouraging that tourism to these areas was picking up. Dalrymple also shared some salient features of his latest book, Kooh-i-Noor.

Jonny Bealby, who is a frequent visitor of Pakistan, shared stories of his travels to the beautiful northern areas of Pakistan and beyond. He also shed light on multi-ethnic and culturally diverse people of Pakistan with their exemplary hospitality.

Peace-loving Kalash tribe in Chitral

Mr. Bealby particularly mentioned the peace-loving people of the Kalash tribe in Chitral valley, who have continued to maintain their rich heritage and traditions over successive centuries.

Speaking about increasing tourism in Pakistan, Mr. Bealby said: “It is so good to see Pakistan take its rightful place at the heart of the adventure culture tourism world.”

Culinary expert and author, Sumayya Usmani, shared the flavours of Pakistan highlighting Pakistani food as a distinct cuisine which she feels is best described as a confluence of tastes of the whole of South Asia.

She noted that hospitality is a distinct feature of the people of Pakistan. “The more you travel, the more you experience the culinary variety of different regions of Pakistan,” she added.

Actor and photographer of Pakistani descent, Pasha Bocarie talked about his recent travels in Pakistan. A passionate photographer as he is, Bocarie put on display some stunning images that he took during his last visit along the Karakoram Highway.

Pakistan has seen surge in tourism

Welcoming the guests, the High Commissioner Syed Ibne Abbas said that Pakistan is culturally rich and ethnically diverse, which is the true strength of the nation, and had seen a surge in tourism recently.

He said that a total of 1.75 million tourists visited different parts of the country in 2017 and the figures are only getting higher. The embassy in London has witnessed a 100 percent increase in the number of tourist visas that have been issued to travel enthusiasts intending on visiting Pakistan for tourism purposes.

“As far as tourism is concerned, Pakistan has a lot to offer. But seeing is believing. May I also add that the British Backpacker Society rated Pakistan as the top travel destination earlier this year,” he said assuring to expedite visas for tourists.