Tourism to boost national economy: State Minister

FAISALABAD: State Minister for Information & Broadcasting Farrukh Habib stated that the government was promoting tourism in Pakistan as a means to strengthen the national economy. 

Speaking at a ceremony, the minister appreciated the efforts of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) that have initiated direct flights from Faisalabad to Skardu. The move is a welcome step and in line with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision to promote tourism. 

District Manager PIA Faisalabad Shahid Hussain gave a detailed brief about the flight operations from Faisalabad to Skardu.

Several officials were in attendance including PIA Union president Malik Waqar Ahmed, Provincial Minister for Culture & Colonies Mian Khayal Ahmad Kastro,  Member Provincial Assembly Mian Waris Aziz, President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) Engineer Hafiz Ehtesham Javed, President Faisalabad Women’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FWCCI) Tehmina Pasha, Provincial Parliamentary Secretary Labor Mian Shakeel Shahid and Chairman Hajj Umrah Committee Shafiq Kashif. 

Mr Farrukh Habib further stated that Pakistan was sitting on a reservoir of breathtaking landscape that provided immense potential for tourism. In this view, the establishment of a new airport in Gilgit was in the pipeline. 

He mentioned that around four million people visited the northern areas of Pakistan. This huge number promotes activity in hotel business and provides numerous employment opportunities.