Gilgit Hunza Road opens after closure of several weeks

Thursday, March 29th, 2007

The road the Hunza one of the most scenic roads in the world has been recently closed due to glaciers and landslides. This was known from Mr. Asghar Khan Sales & Marketing Manager Gilgit Serena Hotel. He also sent this breathtaking picture of the block on the road.

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Americans visiting Pakistan.

Wednesday, March 28th, 2007

 

The ex US Ambassado Honorable Ryan C Crocker who remained US Ambassador of Pakistan since 2004 writes several positive action taken bu his office and the US Government to promote people to people contact between the two countries.

He writes in his article in the daily News of Karach:-

Over the past five years the United States and Pakistan have built an extraordinarily close relationship as allies and strategic partners at the government-to-government level. But relations between peoples are the cement that holds together the elements of a strategic partnership. During my tenure as US ambassador to Pakistan I have been very interested in promoting these human and cultural bonds between our two countries. Nothing better demonstrates the breadth and the depth of the long-term, strategic partnership between Pakistan and the United States than the rapid growth in education programmes between our two countries.

Our USAID programme has provided over $200 million to education programmes in Pakistan over the last five years, encouraging student learning in some of Pakistan’s most remote regions by training teachers in participatory learning, increasing parental involvement and supporting infrastructure improvements for primary schools. Regionally, these programmes have focused on Sindh, Balochistan, the FATA and the Islamabad Capital Territory. Since October, 2006, these programmes have been extended to the earthquake-affected areas of the NWFP and AJK.

These are the best known examples of the importance of education in the US-Pakistan partnership. But there are many more examples. We have developed a programme with Pakistani schools and NGO partners, called “ACCESS,” that encourages non-elite Pakistani youth to study English. ACCESS provides micro-scholarships to these students to attend English Literacy Centres at quality schools in Pakistan. To date, nearly 1,000 high school students in Lahore, Multan, Karachi, Peshawar, Islamabad and Gwadar have studied under the ACCESS programme. And we are now looking to extend this programme to provide opportunities for ACCESS graduates to attend universities in Pakistan.

The “YES” — Youth Exchange and Study — programme, funded in part by the US State Department and managed in Pakistan by the Karachi-based International Education and Resource Network, takes Pakistani students on year-long foreign exchange programmes in the United States during their high school years. As many as 158 Pakistani high school students have participated in the YES programme since it began in 2003.

Another State Department programme has partnered with Pakistan’s National Education Foundation and Eastern Washington University to provide in-service teacher training for 400 female teachers in the FATA. The FATA Female Teacher Training programme also provides micro-loans to parents of young girls to encourage families to keep their daughters in school. This program is benefiting some 300 schools in the FATA and NWFP.

Academic linkages between Pakistani and American institutions have been important since the beginning of the US-Pakistan relationship. The Institute for Business Administration in Karachi, one of Pakistan’s leading institutions of higher education, was founded in 1955 with technical assistance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Today, the US Department of Agriculture provides major funding support for agricultural and forestry programmes at the University of Faisalabad, the University of Peshawar and the Pakistan Forest Institute.

Nothing better demonstrates the deepening relationship between Pakistan and the United States than the recent, rapid growth in academic exchanges. When I arrived in Pakistan in 2004, about a dozen Pakistani students were studying in the US on Fulbright scholarships. Today there are over 200, with 150 new Pakistani participants in the Fulbright programme each year.

The Pakistan Fulbright programme is now the largest Fulbright programme in the world. It has active Pakistani participation on its board of directors and its executive staff. Pakistani funding also makes an important contribution to the Fulbright programme in Pakistan. In the coming academic year we expect to re-initiate the reciprocal part of the Fulbright programme by bringing American senior scholars to Pakistan.

In the last six months we have seen many more American scholars travel to Pakistan. The US embassy has encouraged this growing interchange between American and Pakistani scholars and researchers. All of us involved were particularly pleased that the American Institute of Pakistan Studies held its annual scholarly convention this year in Islamabad.

The need to encourage people-to-people relationships led us to undertake another important initiative. The embassy’s consular staff has worked very hard to streamline the visa process to encourage Pakistanis to travel to the United States. We’ve made remarkable progress. Visa issuance was 30 per cent greater in 2006 than in 2005, including an increase of 55 per cent for issuance of student visas. The numbers of Pakistani visitors to the United States are now returning to pre-9/11 levels.

These are strong examples of deeper and stronger ties between the American and Pakistani people. As I take my leave from Pakistan, I take those strengthening ties as one of my fondest and most important memories of my tenure as US ambassador to Pakistan.

 

The writer has served as US ambassador to Pakistan since 2004. His next assignment, which he will be taking up soon, is American ambassador to Iraq.

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Gawadar Fort keys handed over to President of Pakistan

Tuesday, March 20th, 2007

GWADAR, March 20 (APP):  President General Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday said Pakistan was a cradle of ancient civilization and called for wide-ranging measures for the preservation of national heritage for future generations.He was speaking here at a ceremony also attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, at which the Kingdom of Oman handed over keys of an ancient fort built in 1783 and located at Gwadar to the President. The fort was restored by the Ministry of Heritage and Culture of Oman and was once used as palace by Omani leaders when they ruled over Gwadar.

President Musharraf thanked the government and people of Oman, particularly Sultan Qaboos, for this gesture and the remarkable restoration work done to bring the Gwadar Fort to its past glory.

He said Pakistan was a cradle of ancient civilization, dating back to the 8^th century and said all faiths flourished here before the advent of Islam in the sub-continent.

The President stressed the need to preserve the rich past and said, “The nations that do not look after their past cannot look after their future.”

He said Pakistan has rich tourist potential and natural beauty that can attract tourists from across the world.

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President Musharaf inaugurates Gwadar Port

Tuesday, March 20th, 2007

  GWADAR, Mar 20 (APP):  President General Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday said the operationalization of the country’s first deep-sea port would turn Gwadar into a major industrial, trade and energy hub of the region and will usher in an era of progress and prosperity.Inaugurating the Gwadar Port, the President also announced plans for setting up the country’s fourth port at Somiani with a resolve to undo the neglects of the past by the previous governments, by launching several mega development projects for the province. The President, along with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and in presence of several other cabinet members, pressed a button to operationalize the huge 40 tonne capacity cranes at the port to start removing containers from one of the three ships anchored at the berths. The President warned the handful of miscreants in Balochistan not to interfere with the government plans of development and vowed to lift the province out of backwardness. “You must lay down your weapons, do not interfere in Balochistan’s development and if you persist I warn you that you will be dealt with sternly,” he said and added that such people do not want to see their people improve their economic condition as they felt it would erode their authority. The President said that nations cannot progress if they oppose development. He said in the days to come the people of Balochistan will see more facilities and infrastructure development. “I derive my power from the people and since you are with me, I have nothing to worry and to fear those who are against development,” President Musharraf told the large gathering here at the Gwadar Port, including women and children. President Musharraf said that it was the first time that so many cabinet ministers gathered at Gwadar and recalled that there was only “bellowing dust and sand” when he came six years back. “Just see this development, the beautiful buildings that have cropped up, the road, electricity and water that are now available,” he said and added that a new airport will be built with the Chinese assistance. The President also spoke to the gathering in Balochi, to which the large crowd responded with enthusiasm. He said there were some people who said that the jobs at Gwadar will be handed over to “outsiders” and said he stood with the deprived people of the province. “I am with you and will always stand by the deprived,” he said and added that no one needed to worry and added that “no one can ever take their place as they were the sons of the soil having their due share.” He said a study was underway for the Gwadar-Dalbandin and Kandhar railway link, besides a 950 km long Gwadar-Turbat-Khuzdar-Ratodero road which was being constructed to facilitate movement of goods and people with the rest of the country. The President said the government has lined up development projects worth Rs 130 billion for the province that were far more than those in other provinces. He said there were some people who complained that Punjab was not happy with Balochistan’s progress. “Nothing could be far from truth. The people and government of Punjab have no objection to the huge  spendings in Balochistan and measures to lift it out of poverty and depravation,” he added. He said progress and development of Balochistan was the progress of Pakistan and said the government will continue with its efforts to bring about a positive change in the lives of the common man. The President said that the Coastal Highway was being extended up to the border of Iran while Gwadar was being linked with road, rail and air to the rest of the country and beyond. He said in future the government visualized Gwadar Port to be used as a route for trade and energy for China, Afghanistan and other Central Asian Republics and added that all trade routes will pass through here. The Mirani dam will irrigate 35,000 acres of land. In addition the Subakzai, Bolan and Nolang dam and the Kacchi canal will irrigate 0.7 million acres and will help meet agricultural needs of the local farmers. The President said similarly the government was undertaking bricklining of water courses and will spend Rs five billion in the province over a period of two years. The President announced setting up of a Marine College at Gwadar, to be funded equally by the provincial and the federal governments, Rs 10 million for improvement of health, education and sewerage system of Gwadar, besides another Rs 50 million for its rural areas. He also announced a Fishermen Colony, having all basic amenities of life, besides a Fisheries Training Centre to impart modern skills to the fishermen. Addressing particularly the large number of women present at the inauguration, the President asked them to concentrate on imparting education and skills to their children and said eight cadet colleges were being set up in the province, besides 1000 scholarships would be awarded to outstanding children. He also announced a gift of 2000 sewing machines for those who came from far away to attend the gathering. The President also mentioned the national internship programme and the technical schools being set up by the Army to train youth in different skills. He said the POF, HIT and other organisations have also been directed to train and acquire the services of youth from Balochistan. The President also mentioned the issue of Chief Justice and said the matter will be addressed under the law and the constitution of Pakistan. He warned against politicizing it and said “no one should use it for hatching political conspiracies.” “Such political conspiracies will be overcome with the help of the people of Pakistan . . . the people of Pakistan are with us . . . and I have full faith that anyone daring to conspire against the country will be crushed with the help of the people of Pakistan,” he said and added that no such conspiracy will be allowed to succeed. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in his remarks described the inauguration as a historic day that will change the destiny of the people of Balochistan and said from the dusty dunes of Gwadar a modern landscape was emerging. He urged the people of Balochistan to work hard, for the development and progress of their province and the country so that everyone benefits from the economic gains. “Let those who are against progress know that they cannot succeed,” he said and urged the people to vote for those who favour development in the next general election. The Prime Minister said the coastal highway will be extended up to Iran and bring in more economic opportunities for the people of the area. He said the new airport will operate under the open skies policy and bring in tourists from all over the world to enjoy the rich natural beauty. The President, along with the Prime Minister also visited the memorial of those Chinese workers who were killed during the construction of the Gwadar Port. He paid rich tributes and said his dream would not have materialized without the help of Chinese people and government. He said it was the deep friendship between Pakistan and China that has turned his vision into reality and helped the country enter a new era of economic prosperity.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 20 March 2007 )

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Grand Mercure Hotel opens at Karachi Airport

Tuesday, March 20th, 2007

A new 5 star hotel is to start operations in the city of karachi. The new hotel will be called The Grand Mercure Airport hotel. It will be a 5 star hotel only few minutes from the Karachi International airport.

 Travel & Culture Services has acquired special rates for its clients visit Karachi for transit or tours. Please visit the hotel’s page at http://www.travel-culture.com/pakistan/ht/Grand_Mercure_Airport_Hotel_Karachi.shtml

 

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Meet & greet Services desk set up at Islamabad airport

Friday, March 16th, 2007

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Great potential to boost tourism between Pakistan and Uzbekistan

Thursday, March 15th, 2007

SAMARKAND, March 15 (APP):  Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Thursday said there was a great potential of boosting tourism between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and both the countries were working on it to achieve this objective. Talking to newsmen here after visiting “Rajestan” - a group of ancient ‘madrassas’ dating back to 15th and 17th century, the Prime Minister said a number of flights have started between the two countries and said with more flights trade and tourism between the two countries will further intensify.

The Prime Minister said both the countries have so much in common including their heritage, ancient links and a history that they share.

“It all is well worth the visit to each others’ country and shows the bonds and ties which existed centuries ago.

He recalled visits of President Pervez Musharraf and that of Islam Karimov preceding his that will bring the two countries further closer.

“Visit to Uzbekistan would not be complete without visiting Samarkand - an ancient capital and on silk route and manifestation of Islamic teachings, thought, philosophy. Contributions made by scientists, scholars and thinkers from this part of the world to the entire world is very significant,” he said.

The Prime Minister commended the government of Uzbekistan for maintaing the sites in an excellent manner and promoting the heritage and history for the entire Muslim world.

The Prime Minister said the people of Uzbekistan are warm and friendly and tourists from each country should visit the other.

He pointed that Pakistan’s history stretching back to the Harrapa and Gandhara civilisations was a favourite for tourists interested in world history.

He said Pakistan offers a rich mosaic of natural beauty, history and culture that needs to be seen and invited tourists from Uzbekistan to visit. He also said Pakistani tourists can visit the historic places in Samarkand and Bukhara only a few hours away from their homes.

The Prime Minister soon after his arrival in Samarkand visited the Musoleum of Hazrat Imam Bokhari the renowned writer of Hadith. Penning down his impressions on the visitors book, the Prime Minister described it as a “real privilge”.

“He was a scholar, researcher and religious leader who spent forty years collecting and  authenticating the Hadith, covering the life and sayings of Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).”

Aziz lauded the Uzbek government for mainting this “precious site of our history”. “We all need to follow Islamic teachings of brotherhood, peace, harmony an tolerance,” he stated.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by the Governor of Samarkand also visited the Quran Museum and saw the artifacts and copies of Holy Quran from all over the world.

Uzbekistan was overrun by Genghis Khan in 1220. In the 1300s Amir Timur or Tamerlane the Great  (1337-1405) built an empire with its capital at Samarkand, founded after conquering what is today known as Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, the Caucasus, Northern India and the Golden Horde of Mongols.

His capital was a welcome abode for for scholars and artists.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and members of his delegation later visited the famous observatory made by Timur’s grandson Mirzo Ulugbek, who also was the first to design a sextant. He was briefed about the working of the observatory, termed by some as one of the world’s wonders, and was used to precisely measure the movement of stars and planets.

Ulugbek is known in the world of science as one of the greatest in Middle Ages, astronomer and sponsor of art and knowledge.

Uzbekistan was one of the 15 member Republics of the Soviet Union between 1922 and 1991. In September, 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Uzbekistan became one of Central Asian Republics to proclaim independence. Uzbekistan’s heritage goes back about 2,500 years. Besides its economic importance, it flourished as the medieval intellectual center of the Muslim world.

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