Tourism in Pakistan

Tourism in Pakistan
Tourism in Pakistan has been stated by the Lonely Planet magazine as being the tourism industry's "next big thing". Pakistan, with its diverse cultures, people and landscapes attracted 1million tourists in 2012 Pakistan's tourism industry was in its heyday during the 1970s when the country received unprecedented amounts of foreign tourists, thanks to the Hippie trail. The main destinations of choice for these tourists were the Khyber Pass, Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, Swat and Rawalpindi. The country's attraction range from the ruin of civilisation such as Mohenjo-daro, Harappa and Taxila, to the Himalayan hill stations, which attract those interested in winter sports. Pakistan is home to several mountain peaks over 7000 m, which attracts adventurers and mountaineers from around the world, especially K2.[1] The north part of Pakistan has many old fortresses, ancient architecture and the Hunza and Chitral valley, home to small pre-Islamic Animist Kalasha community claiming descent from Alexander the Great. The romance of the historic Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is timeless and legendary, Punjab province has the site of Alexander's battle on the Jhelum River and the historic city Lahore, Pakistan's cultural capital, with many examples of Mughal architecture such as Badshahi Masjid, Shalimar Gardens, Tomb of Jahangir and the Lahore Fort. Before the Global economic crisis Pakistan received more than 500,000 tourists annually. However, this number has now come down to near zero figures since 2008 due to instability in the country and many countries declaring Pakistan as unsafe and dangerous to visit. In October 2006, just one year after the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, The Guardian released what it described as "The top five tourist sites in Pakistan" in order to help the country's tourism industry. The five sites included Taxila, Lahore, The Karakoram Highway, Karimabad and Lake Saiful Muluk. To promote Pakistan's unique and various cultural heritage, the Prime Minister launched the "Visit Pakistan" marketing campaign in 2007.[2] This campaign involved various events throughout the year including fairs and religious festivals, regional sporting events, various arts and craft shows, folk festivals and several openings of historical museums.

Site#171: The Alamgiri Gate at Lahore Fort in Punjab.

The Pakistan Monument in Islamabad

In 2009, The World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report ranked Pakistan as one of the top 25% tourist destinations for its World Heritage sites. Ranging from mangroves in the South, to the 5,000-year-old cities of the Indus Valley Civilization which included Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.

Major attractions

Tourism in Pakistan Pakistan is such a diverse region, it is the center of various religions and settlements long before the creation of the nation that exists today. Today, Pakistan is formed of four large provinces Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and four territories Islamabad Capital Territory, Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The cultural and physical diversity of Pakistan has developed the country into a tourist hot spot for foreign travellers as well as adventurers. Currently Pakistan has six major cultural sites that are categorised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include: Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro of the Indus Valley Civilization. 1st Century Buddhist Ruins at Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol. The ruins of Taxila from the Gandhara Civilization The Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens in Lahore. Historic Monuments of the ancient city of Thatta. The ancient fort of Rohtas. During the period of 19932004, Pakistan was unable to submit information to UNESCO which delayed several sites to be categorised as potential World Heritage Sites. In 2004, the Ministry of Tourism was given funding to continue its research and ten sites were placed onto UNESCO Tentative List. In total, eighteen sites are awaiting to be categorised as of June 2010 which include:[3] The 17th Century Mughal built Badshahi Mosque. The 17th Century Mughal built Wazir Khan Mosque. The 17th century Tombs of Jahangir, Asif Khan and Akbari Sarai. Hiran Minar and Tank, built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir in commemoration of his favourite antelope in the city of Sheikhupura. 14th Century Tomb of Hazrat Rukn-e-Alam. One of the world's largest forts in the world, Rani Kot Fort. 17th Century Mughal built Shah Jahan Mosque, located in the ancient city of Thatta. 15th and 18th century Chaukhandi Tombs of several Sindhi and Balochi tribes. Neolithic archaeological Site of Mehrgarh. Archaeological site of Rehman Dheri. Archaeological site of Harappa. Archaeological site of Ranigat. Shahbazgarhi Rock Edicts. Mansehra Rock Edicts.
Site#139: Ghadhara ruins at Taxila Site#140: Buddhist ruins at Takht Bhai Site#138: Excavated ruins of Mohenjo-daro

Tourism in Pakistan Baltit Fort, an ancient Tibetan styled fort in the Hunza Valley. Tomb of Bibi Jawindi, Baha'al-Halim and Ustead and the Tomb and Mosque of Jalaluddin Bukhari in Uch Sharif. Port of Banbhore. Furthermore, there are several landmarks and structures that have not yet made the UNESCO Tentative List. Long before the creation of Pakistan in 1947, there were plenty of cultures and religions that existed before the Partition of India. Pakistan being the center of various wars led to several dynasties and tribes ruling its lands. They left various landmarks behind which some have become national icons whilst others needing the attention of concerned authorities. Some of these include: Faisalabad Clock Tower and the Eight Bazaars Altit Fort in Hunza Valley 17th and 18th century Tombs of Talpur Mirs Faiz Mahal of the Talpur Mirs Samadhi of Ranjit Singh Mughal built tomb of Asaf Khan Empress Market built during the rule of the British Empire The tomb of Qutb-ud-din Aibak the first Sultan of Delhi and founder of the Slave dynasty. Sikh built Mohatta Palace 18th century Omar Hayat Mahal 19th Century Italian chateau Noor Palace Derawar Fort Mughal-built Hiran Minar One of the oldest salt mines in Asia, Khewra Salt Mines The 3000BC built fort of Kot Diji and Faiz Mahal in Khairpur 16th century built fort at Skardu Post-independence Pakistan retained its heritage by The Mohatta Palace constructing various sites to commemorate its independence by blending various styles and influences from the past. Some of these include: Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore. Faisal Mosque in Islamabad. The mausoleum of the founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Site#171: Lahore Fort & Shalamar Gardens

The Chaukhandi Tombs

Tourism in Pakistan Bab-e-Pakistan a memorial site for the victims of the Partition of India. Pakistan Monument in Islamabad. The mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

Badshahi Mosque

Infrastructure and the economy

Tourism is a growing industry in Pakistan. With more and more foreign investment and funding, Pakistan was able to build its major road and air networks to cater mass movements of cargo and inter-city travel. Roads are being developed by several consultants from the Northern Areas all the way down to the Port of Karachi. However, till this date, the government has not be able to take the tourism market seriously within Pakistan. Pakistan is home to a diverse number of tourist attractions which have not been funded or protected due to the government giving the tourism market a low priority.

The mausoleum of Shah Rukn-e-Alam

PTDC Motel at Malam Jabba Ski Resort.

Several statistics from the last decade show tourism is a "market led industry and not supply driven" which has led a large decline in travel to Pakistan. This has led to fewer tour agencies being set up and development of historical sites. It has been estimated that the public and private sectors have gradually earned less income from the tourism market causing less investment and innovation within the industry. This has led to several sites to depreciate over time and the lack of Minimum International Standards have left many sites in poor states. The latest budget showed that less money was being spent on research and marketing and more on defence and other fixed markets.

The 2008 World Economic forum's Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report (TTCR) ranked Pakistan 103 out of 124 countries to visit. This low figure was due to a weak travel and tourism infrastructure, low branding and marketing effectiveness and low priority the government gave to the travel and tourism industry. Despite various campaigns such as the Visit Pakistan 2007 scheme the number of tourists dropped each year. This year it dropped by 6% as compared to the figures of last year. The lack of

Tourism in Pakistan facilities within Pakistan cannot compete those of international standards. With a poor tourism infrastructure the provision of standard and competitive hotel rooms in Pakistan, the national and cultural resources being reduced, the uncertain security situation prevailing and rising inflation are the main factors reducing tourism within Pakistan. Many critics have encouraged the government to again attract tourists to Pakistan by initiating the sponsorship of new businesses within the tourist market. Building and maintaining the road and air networks to meet international standards. The maturation of human and natural resources can also contribute in development of this feeble industry. Advertising campaigns need to attract tourist by developing holiday packages tailored to explore the greater regions of the country.

Ministry of Tourism
In September 2004 with the bifurcation of the Minorities, Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth Affairs, Tourism was given a separate status of Ministry of Tourism. The Ministry of Tourism is responsible for the policy formulation, development, marketing and promotion of both foreign and domestic tourism besides coordination and regulating of federal and provincial governments and private sector activities responsible and involved in tourism. Within the overall set up the tourism wing of the ministry is in collaboration with its field organisations making it completely responsible for the development of the tourism industry.

Tourism by subdivisions
Pakistan is subdivided into four provinces, one federal capital territory, and a group of federally-administered tribal areas. The four large provinces are what make up the majority of Pakistan which include Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh. The Islamabad Capital Territory is home to the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. Finally, leaving Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan the minor territories under Pakistan control.
Faisal Mosque in the capital Islamabad.

Balochistan
Balochistan is the largest province by geographical area of Pakistan, constituting approximately 43% of the total area of Pakistan. Balochistan is home to one of the oldest Neolithic (7000 BC to c. 2500 BC) sites in archaeology. Mehrgarh and Nausharo, was an ancient city linked to the Indus Valley Civilization. Another ancient sites dating back 800 years are the Nausherwani tombs at Qila Ladgasht. There was also an ancient port at the site of Oraea which proved to be a useful port during the Hellenistic civilisation.
Kund Malir, is one of the most famous beaches in

Quetta is the provincial capital of Balochistan. There are a number of Balochistan sites of interest including the protected Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park, Hanna Lake, Quetta Geological Museum, Balochistan Arts Council Library, Quetta Archaeological Museum as well as Command and Staff College Museum. The Quaid-e-Azam Residency is another major site in Balochistan in the city of Ziarat. Ziarat is also famous for the juniper forests which are the oldest and largest in the world. Sibi, is an

Tourism in Pakistan important historical city in Balochistan. The Jigra Hall has a collection of pieces found at the archaeological sites of Mehrgarh, Nasshero and Pirak. The annual Sibi Festival marks the famous Horse and Cattle Show. There are a number of mountain passes within Balochistan. The Bolan Pass has been the main entrance to the provincial city of Quetta. There are several others including Lak Pass, Khojak Pass and Harnai Pass. The Balochistan coastline extends from the Sindh province to the Iranian border measuring a total distance of over 750km. The city of Gwadar holds the largest port in the province which is based near the ancient area of Makran. Pasni is another beautiful medium-sized town famous for fishing. Along the Makran Coastal Highway there are several rock formations as well as Kund Malir and the Hingol National Park.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Khyber-PK)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is located in the north-west region of Pakistan. It is known as the tourist hotspot for adventurers and explorers. The province has a varied landscape ranging from rugged mountains, valleys, hills and dense agricultural farms. The region is well known for its ancestral roots. There are a number of Buddhist archaeological sites from the Gandhara civilisation such as Takht Bhai and Pushkalavati. There are a number of other Buddhist and Hindu archaeological sites including Bala Hisar Fort, Butkara Stupa, Kanishka stupa, Chakdara, Panjkora Valley and Sehri Bahlol.

The famous Khyber steam train safari

Peshawar is the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The city is home to a number of sites including Bala Hisar Fort, Peshawar Museum, archaeological site of Gor Khuttree, Mohabbat Khan Mosque, old city of Sethi Mohallah, Jamrud Fort, the Sphola Stupa and the most famous market of Qissa Khawani. The city of Dera Ismail Khan is known to be the entrance into the province from Punjab and Balochistan. The city is famour for its Hindu ruins at Kafir Kot. The Buddhist ruins at Shahbaz Garhi are also famous in the city of Mardan. Heading North, the divisions Swat valley
Usho Swat valley

Ghabral Swat Valley

Tourism in Pakistan

7 One of the most important cities in the province is Mansehra. The city is a major stop for tourists setting out to the Northern Areas and Azad Kashmir. The city is connected by the famous Karakoram Highway which ends up in China. Along the route there are several stops including the Kaghan Valley, Balakot, Naran, Shogran, Lake Saiful Mulook and Babusar Top. There are also several other sites within the province which attract a large number of tourist every year including Ayubia, Batkhela, Chakdara, Saidu Sharif, Kalam Valley and Hindu Kush mountain range in Chitral.

There are also several mountain passes that run through the province. One of the most famous is the Khyber Pass which links Afghanistan with Pakistan. The trade route sees a large number of trucks and lorries importing and exporting goods in and out of the region. The Babusar Pass is another mountain pass connecting the Thak Nala with Chilas on the Karakorum Highway. The Lowari Pass is another pass which connects Chitral with Dir via the Lowari Tunnel. The highest mountain pass in Pakistan is Shandur Pass which connects Chitral to Gilgit and is known as the Roof of the World. The pass is the center of three mountain ranges Hindukush, Pamir and Karakoram.

Kunhar River originates in Lulusar within the Naran Valley

Punjab
Punjab is the second largest province in Pakistan. It is known for its ancient cultural heritage as well as its religious diversity. The lands of Punjab have been home to a number of religions and civilisations. The Indus Valley Civilization once ruled the region and a significant archaeological find was discovered at the ancient city of Harrapa. The Gandhara civilisation was also quite dominant in the northern region of Punjab at the site of Taxila. Several other civilisations such as Greeks, Central Asians, and Persians ruled Punjab leaving a number of sites which still exist today. The arrival of Islam came about during the rule of the Umayyad Caliphate followed by the Ghaznavids. The Mughals took control of the region and ruled its land for several centuries. The mughal heritage remained quite strong in Punjab with a large number of forts, tombs and monuments still intact today. The Durrani Empire ruled the Punjab at the fall of the Mughal Empire for a short period following the rise of the Sikh Empire. The strong control of the Sikhs also lead to a number of sites still remaining intact throughout Punjab. The British Raj took control of the region until the independence of Pakistan.

The Minar-e-Pakistan is located in the provincial capital of Punjab, Lahore

The Katasraj temple in Chakwal

Tourism in Pakistan

Tourism in Punjab is regulated by the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab. There are a number of large cosmopolitan cities in Punjab. The provincial capital, Lahore is the second largest city of Pakistan as is known to the Cultural Heart of Pakistan. The Mughal Empire left behind the Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens which are now recognised World Heritage Sites. The Walled City of Lahore, Badshahi Mosque, Wazir Khan Mosque, Tomb of Jahangir and Nur Jahan, Tomb of Asaf Khan and Chauburji are other major sites visited by tourists each year. The tomb of Qutb-ud-din Aibak from the Delhi The 1872-built Italian chateau Noor Mahal Sultanate is located in the historical market of Anarkali Bazaar in (Diamond Palace) in Bahawalpur Lahore. The Samadhi of Ranjit Singh and Hazuri Bagh Baradari are prime example of Sikh architecture during the rule of the Sikh Empire. There a number of other sites within Lahore such as Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore Museum, Data Durbar Complex, Tomb of Muhammad Iqbal, Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lahore Zoo, Tomb of Shah Jamal, Sukh Chayn Gardens, Gaddafi Stadium which all create a large number of visitors annually. Rawalpindi is known to be a famous hill station stop for tourists before setting out to Murree, Bhurban, Patriata, Northern Areas, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The Pharwala Fort is a major fort on the outskirts of the city built by an ancient Hindu civilisation. There are a number of sites from the Mughal Empire in the city of Sheikhupura called Hiran Minar and the Sheikhupura Fort. The Rohtas Fort near Jhelum is a major fort built by Sher Shah Suri is a World Heritage Site. The Katasraj temple in the city of Chakwal is a major destination for Hindu devotees. The Khewra Salt Mines is another major tourist attraction as its one of the oldest mines in South Asia. The city of Nankana Sahib is birthplace of the founder of Sikhism. The Gurdwara is visited by a number of pilgrims ever year to mark Guru Nanak Dev birthday. Another famous gurdwara in Punjab is Panja Sahib located in the city of Hasan Abdal. The clock tower and eight bazaars of Faisalabad are famous for its bazaars since they were designed to represent the Union Jack flag. Travelling southwards, the region starts to become more desertic. Multan is another major tourist destination in Punjab. It is known for its mausoleums of saints and Sufi pirs. The most famous being the Rukn-e-Alam and Baha-ud-din Zakariya. The Multan Museum and Nuagaza tombs are so significant attractions in the city. The city of Bahwalpur is a major destination as it is located near the Cholistan Desert and Thar Desert. The Derawar Fort is a large fort built in the Cholistan Desert which is also the site for the annual Cholistan Jeep Rally. The city is also near the ancient site of Uch Sharif which was once a Delhi Sultanate stronghold. The Noor Mahal, Sadiq Ghar Palace, Darbar Mall are large palaces built during the reign of the Nawabs. The Lal Suhanra National Park is a major zoological garden on the outskirts of the city.

Tourism in Pakistan

Sindh
Sindh is located in the south-eastern region of Pakistan. The province is known for its religious heritage and rapid-urbanisation. The province is home to the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation. Mohenjo-daro near the city of Larkana was one of the largest city-settlements in South Asia and is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Chaukhandi tombs are another example of ancient Sindhi and Balochi heritage located near the town of Landi. Another ancient city, Aror, located near the city of Sukkur is also a famous tourist spot for its ruins. Kahu-Jo-Darro is a famous ancient Buddhist archaeological site near Mirpurkhas were a Buddhist stupa was excuvated. The arrival of Islam in the Indian subcontinent took place in Sindh. There has been a number of sites within the province that have led archaeologists to suggest this. Makli Hill is one of the largest necropolises in the world. The site is home to a number of ancient tombs and graves of Islamic dynasties. The Talpur Mirs of Hyderabad also left a number of sites including, Tombs of Talpur Mirs, Faiz Mahal in Khairpur, Qasim fort, Pacco Qillo and the Kot Diji Fort in Kot Diji. Another famous fort built during the Islam invasion was the Ranikot Fort. Like other provinces, Sindh has a number of cultural shrines and mausoleums including Thatta, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Lal Shahbaz Qalander, Shahjahan Mosque, Mazar-e-Quaid, Minar-e-Mir Masum Shah, Bhambore and Garhi Khuda Bakhsh.

The Karachi Port Trust Headquarters

The Faiz Mahal (Faiz Palace) built by the Talpur Mirs dynasty

Karachi is the provincial capital of the province and largest city of Pakistan. It is home to the founder of the nation, Mohammad Ali Jinnah. His tomb, Mazar-e-Quaid, is the most iconic mausoleum in Pakistan. The city has the largest port in the country, Port of Karachi, followed by the second largest, Port Qasim. Karachi has also been ruled under a number of tribes which meant the city is home to a number of cultural sites including, Mohatta Palace, National Museum of Pakistan, Empress Market, Frere Hall, Jehangir Kothari Parade, Karachi Municipal Corporation Building and the Hindu Gymkhana. There are also several beaches within the city, some of the most famous are Clifton Beach, French Beach, Sandspit Beach and Manora Island.

The British built Sukkur Barrage

The province also forms the basin for the Indus river. This has led to a number of lakes being formed in the province. Some of the most notable ones include: Keenjhar Lake, Manchar Lake and the Bakri Waro Lake in Khairpur. The Kirthar National Park is also a protected reserve for several wildlife within the region. The Thar Desert is also located in the province which adjorns it to Punjab and India. The Great Rann of Kutch is a protected wetland site in the province. There are two wildlife sanctuaries in the province: Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary and the Nara Desert Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sukkur Barrage is another famous icon in the province it was built to alleviate

Tourism in Pakistan famines caused by lack of rain. Port Grand Food and Entertainment Complex is a recreational area built in the centre of Karachi, Pakistan along the waterfront of the 19th century Native Jetty Bridge that connects the Karachi Port Trust to Keamari. The complex is expected to attract up to 5,000 visitors a day and is a major hub of shopping, dining, cultural and coastal recreational activities in the city. Port Grand is located on Napier Mole Bridge a site that is very significant to the history of Karachi and has played a crucial role in making it the city it is today. The project stretches along 1,000ft of Karachi's ancient 19th century Native Jetty Bridge and spreads over an area of 200,000 sq. ft. The one kilometre bridge has been transformed into an entertainment and food enclave housing numerous eateries totalling 40,000 sq. ft of climate-controlled area and space for kiosks of exotic Pakistani and foreign food and a variety of beverages. To get to the Port Grand from anywhere in the city, Port Grand is a straight shot west out of Mai Kolachi, adjacent to the PNSC Building as the road curves into the facility on the right.[[1]] [4]]

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Top 5 tourist sites

In October 2006, just one year after the dreadful 2005 Kashmir earthquake, The Guardian released what it described as "The top five tourist sites in Pakistan" in order to help the country's tourism industry.

Top 5 Tourist Destinations

Rank Location 1 2 3 4 5 Lahore Taxila The Karakoram Highway Karimabad Lake Saiful Muluk

Tourism in Pakistan

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Challenges
The July 2010 floods that caused an estimated 22million persons to become homeless in Pakistan also collapsed Tourism Industry in the country, which was already becoming fragile due to the deteriorating state of law and order in the country. Swat Valley that geared up domestic tourism after a lull 2 years due to terrorism again faced total disaster due to heavy rainfalls and floods. Around 101 hotels on the bank of Swat River flushed out in floods because these hotels were constructed on the bank of the river against the law of nature and law The Pearl Continental (PC) hotel in Bhurban of land. Around 277 people including 6 domestic tourist lost their lives in Swat valley. Thousands of tourists were stranded in Kalam and Bahrain areas affected by the devastating rain-triggered floods. There was no electricity in the entire district for 14 days and no road network left to evacuate tourists therefore Pakistan Army provided helicopters to airlift them to Islamabad. . All business activities and factories are lying closed in Swat. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani visited Swat valley to examine the flood situation and directed authorities to ensure adequate food supply for flood victims and improved communication links. The Prime Minister stressed for proper connectivity of Swat valley with other parts of the country and directed the Minister for Communications to ensure early restoration of roads and bridges so as to ensure unhindered provision of relief material. Kalam in Khybar Pakhtunkhawa Pakistan, was a popular tourist destination famous for its terrain, view and natural beauty. The A beautiful view of Murree worst flood in memory has wreaked havoc to the tourist facilities and left locals wandering about their future. There were only two sources of income of Kalam. One is agriculture and other is tourism, both are destroyed and seriously affected,said a resident. Kalam had some four hundred hotels and restaurants before the floods. Dozens of which have been swept away in the raging water. Most of the major hotels were either on the river bed or overlooking it from the edges of River Swat. The water swept dams, swallowed fertile land and torn down bridges effectively dividing the Valley into two. The floods that have caused massive devastation across the country struck at a time when tourism was in full swing, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan. Damages inflicted on tourism infrastructure in these areas are estimated to run in billions. Apart from claiming so many human lives, the floods took serious toll on hotels, motels, bridges, roads, houses. It rendered thousands of people jobless, who were affiliated with tourism. Gilgit Baltistan and Kaghan valley also affected by floods and rain and collapse of infrastructure. Karakuram Highway that was already blocked due to Aliabad landslide now totally shutdown for traffic. Balakot-Kaghan road is also impassable. Ecotourism Society Pakistan [5] (ESP) estimation indicated around 550million $ damaged to private sector. That include postponement of confirmed tours, damage to property and transportation. ESP submitted a detail damage report to world media and recommendations how tourism industry can cope with such disaster. American movie star Angelina Jolie who helped Pakistan in 2005 earthquake again came forward to help Pakistan and visited floods hit areas on 7 September 2010. She appealed to the international community to provide aid needed to help the

Tourism in Pakistan country recover from its worst natural disaster. 22million people affected by the floods. The United Nations issued an appeal for $460million in emergency funds on 11 Aug, but only $294million, or 64 percent, has been received so far, and donations have more or less dried up in recent days.

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Gallery
Images of Pakistan

K2 is the second-highest mountain on Earth after Mount Everest. With a peak elevation of , K2 is part of the Karakoram Range, Pakistan

Damn-e Koh Park in Islamabad

DHA Marina Club in Karachi

The Badshahi mosque in Lahore epitomises the beauty, passion and grandeur of the Mughal era.

Badshahi Masjid at night in Lahore

The Shalimar gardens of Lahore are a UNESCO world heritage site

The Deosai National Park is located in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan

Kandol Lake Swat valley

Kalam Swat valley

Utror Swat valley

Ghabral Swat valley

Kaghan, Pakistan

Tourism in Pakistan

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References
[1] PTDC page on mountaineering (http:/ / www. tourism. gov. pk/ mountain. html) [2] Events taking place during 2007, Press released by Tourism of Pakistan (http:/ / doodhpatti. blogspot. com/ 2006/ 10/ visit-pakistan-year-2007-events. html) [3] Pakistan UNESCO World Heritage Centre (http:/ / whc. unesco. org/ en/ statesparties/ pk) [4] http:/ / tribune. com. pk/ story/ 177989/ good-times-port-grand-finally-makes-a-grand-opening/ [5] http:/ / www. ecotourism. org. pk/

Further reading
Pakistan a magical tourist destination (http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail. jsp?newsMLId=20120325000324) The Korea Herald.

External links
Official Federal Tourism Site, Government of Pakistan (http://www.tourism.gov.pk) Official Tourism Site, Government of Khyber-PK, Pakistan (http://www.nwfptourism.com.pk) Official Tourism Site, Government of Punjab, Pakistan (http://www.tdcp.gop.pk) Tourism in Pakistan (http://www.ecotourism.org.pk)

(http://www.eturbonews.com/18228/tourism-industry-again-collapsed-time-due-floods) Official website for Tourism in Swat Valley (http://www.tourswat.com)

Article Sources and Contributors

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Article Sources and Contributors

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Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors

File:Lahore Fort.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Lahore_Fort.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Contributors: M. Umair File:Flag of Pakistan on National Monument.JPG Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Pakistan_on_National_Monument.JPG License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors: Khalid Mahmood File:Mohenjodaro Sindh.jpeg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Mohenjodaro_Sindh.jpeg License: Creative Commons ShareAlike 1.0 Generic Contributors: Original uploader was M.Imran at en.wikipedia File:Overview photo of Takht Bhai complex.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Overview_photo_of_Takht_Bhai_complex.jpg License: GNU Free Documentation License Contributors: Bill william compton, Salarzai, Sfan00 IMG File:Jaulian.JPG Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Jaulian.JPG License: Public Domain Contributors: Dawoodmajoka File:Chaukundi Tombs.JPG Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Chaukundi_Tombs.JPG License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.5 Contributors: Chaukundi1.JPG: Original uploader was Mwaqas at en.wikipedia derivative work: Fast track (talk) File:Shalamar Garden July 14 2005-South wall pavilion with fountains.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Shalamar_Garden_July_14_2005-South_wall_pavilion_with_fountains.jpg License: GNU Free Documentation License Contributors: Ajreddy, Pale blue dot, Wiki-uk, File:Mohatta Palace.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Mohatta_Palace.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Shahid1024 File:Badshahi Masjid at night on July 20 2005.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Badshahi_Masjid_at_night_on_July_20_2005.jpg License: GNU Free Documentation License Contributors: Ajreddy, Ardfern, Look2See1, Pale blue dot, Schekinov Alexey Victorovich File:Shahrukne Alam.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Shahrukne_Alam.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: DMacks, Gryffindor, Zeeshan.javeed, 2 anonymous edits File:Malam Jabba Ski Resort.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Malam_Jabba_Ski_Resort.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: M.Sajid Ishaq. Original Uploader was File:Faisal mosque2.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Faisal_mosque2.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 1.0 Contributors: Asjad Jamshed File:2Kund Malir.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:2Kund_Malir.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Contributors: Bilal Mirza from Karachi / Kuala Lumpur/ Hong Kong / Dubai, [Pakistan / Malaysia / Hong Kong/ UAE] File:KhyberRailway 01.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:KhyberRailway_01.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors: MaltaGC File:Usho swatvalley x010.JPG Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Usho_swatvalley_x010.JPG License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Contributors: Isruma File:Ghabral swatvalley x005.JPG Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Ghabral_swatvalley_x005.JPG License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Contributors: Isruma File:Kunhar river in Naran valley of Pakistan.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Kunhar_river_in_Naran_valley_of_Pakistan.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Original uploader was Almazi at en.wikipedia File:Lahore, Minar-e-Pakistan.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Lahore,_Minar-e-Pakistan.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 Contributors: Minar-e-Pakistan.jpg: Guilhem Vellut derivative work: Fast track (talk) File:Pool at Katas.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Pool_at_Katas.jpg License: GNU Free Documentation License Contributors: Gorkan File:NoorMahal1.JPG Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:NoorMahal1.JPG License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors: Ammarkh File:KPT HQ.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:KPT_HQ.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Contributors: Kashif Mardani from Karachi, Pakistan File:FaizMahal.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:FaizMahal.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Original uploader was Arsalanrkazi at en.wikipedia File:Sukkur Graves.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Sukkur_Graves.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Nomi887 File:Top 5 Tourist Destinations - Pakistan.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Top_5_Tourist_Destinations_-_Pakistan.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: A Fantasy, Rvd4life File:Pearl Continental Bhurban.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Pearl_Continental_Bhurban.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Contributors: Dr Shaggy File:A beautiful view of Murree, Pakistan.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:A_beautiful_view_of_Murree,_Pakistan.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors: Fraz.khalid1 File:K2 Nordseite.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:K2_Nordseite.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Contributors: Kuno Lechner File:Damn-e Koh Park in Islamabad.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Damn-e_Koh_Park_in_Islamabad.jpg License: Creative Commons world66 Contributors: Xeyn File:DHA Marina Club.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:DHA_Marina_Club.jpg License: GNU Free Documentation License Contributors: BazookaJoe, Oqureshi, 4 anonymous edits File:Badshahi Mosque July 1 2005 pic32 by Ali Imran (1).jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Badshahi_Mosque_July_1_2005_pic32_by_Ali_Imran_(1).jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.5 Contributors: Original uploader was Pale blue dot at en.wikipedia Later version(s) were uploaded by Swerveut at en.wikipedia. File:Deosai Plateau 2.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Deosai_Plateau_2.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Original uploader was Kashiff at en.wikipedia File:Lake Swatvalley x102.JPG Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Lake_Swatvalley_x102.JPG License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Contributors: Isruma File:Kalam swatvalley x007.JPG Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Kalam_swatvalley_x007.JPG License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Contributors: Isruma File:Utror swatvalley x011.JPG Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Utror_swatvalley_x011.JPG License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Contributors: Isruma File:Ghabral swatvalley x004.JPG Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Ghabral_swatvalley_x004.JPG License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Contributors: Isruma File:Kaghan,_Pakistan.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Kaghan,_Pakistan.jpg License: GNU Free Documentation License Contributors: Ntemur

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