ISLAMABAD: Forbes released its list of the ‘coolest places to go in 2019’ earlier this month and Pakistan has made the cut.
The report’s author wrote that she spoke to a number of ‘high-end travel companies’ to compile a list of “newly (or still) safe” destinations that could “transform” and the northern areas of Pakistan were among the top picks.
Speaking to a travel specialist from GeoEx, the report cites reasons why Hunza, Shigar, and Khaplu should be on everyone’s travel list. Forbes identifies, in particular, the area’s “startlingly striking scenery”, its majestic landscape, the warm welcome of the people, and the “juxtaposition of granite to greenery”.
Over the past few years, with a crackdown on militant activities which has been widely promoted by the administration, more and more travelers have made their way to Pakistan.
This has subsequently lead to more positive press, including in 2017, with the British Backpackers Society naming the country as the top destination to visit in 2018. It also eased up, if not our actual borders, but the borders of doubt people may have about venturing into unknown territory.
“There has been a definite increase of visitors, even from within the country,” Aamir Khan, owner of a private luxury travel and tours company, said.
Khan’s company curates trips to Gilgit-Baltistan for explorers with a diverse range of needs and travel goals. From those want to take in the scenery, walk through apricot fields, canoe across Attabad Lake, trek across Passu Glacier, or climb atop the snow-dusted Rakaposhi base camp – there’s something to suit everyone’s palette.
“Many years ago, we would have thousands of visitors. That, of course, had slowed down but I would say every year it gets better in small numbers and I think these lists and more people coming and sharing on social media is helping,” he said, adding that when people visit, they say that they “could never imagine that all of this is hidden in Pakistan”.
“It seems no one knows really that [all of this beauty] and the chance for adventure, especially if you like hiking and climbing, is all right here,” he said.
Other countries to feature on the Forbes’ list were Azores, Portugal, Eastern Bhutan, Los Cabos in Mexico, Colombia, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mongolia, Rwanda, and The Turkish Riviera.
Pakistan features in Forbes’ list of top 10 ‘coolest places’ to go in 2019
Pakistan features in Forbes’ list of top 10 ‘coolest places’ to go in 2019
- Has steadily regained its reputation as a place to explore
- Country is known for its picturesque landscapes, world-famous glaciers, transparent water lakes, and cultural heritage sites
Pakistan PM invites UAE investment across tech and resource sectors at National Day event
- Shehbaz Sharif says the UAE remains a key economic partner and continues to lend ‘critical support’ to Pakistan
- UAE envoy says both nations have potential for cooperation in renewable energy, AI and economic diversification
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is ready to welcome investment from the United Arab Emirates across emerging technologies and resource sectors, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday, as both countries marked the 54th National Day of the Gulf country in Islamabad.
Speaking at the ceremony attended by senior ministers, diplomats and business leaders, Sharif said the UAE remained a key economic partner for Pakistan and continued to lend “critical support” to the country’s stabilizing economy.
“Pakistan takes great pride in its strategic partnership with the UAE, which continues to deepen across every domain of life,” he said. “With Pakistan’s economy stabilizing, we stand ready to welcome Emirati investment in renewable energy, AI, fintech, agriculture and minerals.”
Sharif praised the UAE’s leadership and recalled his earliest memories of the Gulf nation as “a land that believed in possibilities long before they became realities,” saying the country’s progress under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan commanded “profound admiration.”
UAE Ambassador Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi said the Emirates was committed to strengthening ties with Pakistan in areas including the economy, energy and artificial intelligence.
He said the two countries shared a “deep-rooted friendship built on mutual respect, shared values and a common vision for regional peace and development.”
“We see tremendous potential for collaboration in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, sustainability and economic diversification,” the ambassador said, adding that the UAE aimed to broaden the scope of its economic relations with Pakistan.
The UAE hosts around 1.8 million Pakistani expatriates, one of the country’s largest overseas communities, who Sharif said contributed “tirelessly” to the Gulf state’s development.
Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also joined the UAE ambassador in a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.
