ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has tremendous potential for promoting tourism by virtue of its long
rich history, cultural diversity and captivating landscapes.
An official of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) told that Pakistan is offering
numerous types of tourism that include nature, adventure, culture, heritage and religious tourism.
He said that Pakistan is the cradle of two ancient civilizations- the Indus valley civilization and
the Gandhara civilization.
andquot;In particular, the excavations of the Gandhara civilization represent one of the oldest remains of
the Buddhist culture in Asia and are special spiritual significance for the Buddhists. Then there
are monuments built by successive dynasties and rulers, particularly the Mughals. These include
the Royal fort, Badshahi Mosque, Shalimar Garden, Tombs of Emperor Jehangir and Noor
Jehan, Rohtas Fort and the Shah Jahan Mosque,andquot; he said.
The official said that Pakistan has the worldand#39;s highest mountains in a knot of four great mountain
ranges, the Hindu Kush, Pamir, Karakoram and the Himalyas. The country has the distinction of
having five peaks above 8,000 meters each including the second loftiest mountain of K-2, he
added.
As an initiative to promote tourism industry and engage youth , PTDC in collaboration with
University of Management and Technology Lahore has launched andquot;Pakistan Tourism Friends
Clubandquot;.
The members of the club can avail 20 perecnt special discount on room rent at all PTDC Motels
spread all over Pakistan.