ZONG launches cellphone coverage on Karakoram Highway

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

Telenor and Sco already has cell phone services in many parts of the Northern areas. ZONGs Phone service will includes launching of services in Daggar (Bunair District), Chilas, Dassu, Bunji, Sikandrabad on KKH and Astore on the tertiary route within Northern Areas.

Speaking at the occasion, Zafar Usmani, Chief Operating Officer ZONG, said that the launch was another promise fulfilled by ZONG for its customers in Pakistan.

“We will be covering areas in the northern belt and in AJK (Azad Jamun & Kashmir) and we are fulfilling every commitment that we had made. The company has been focusing on aggressively expanding its network coverage amid growing demand from people living across the vast and diverse geography of Pakistan,” he said. 

ZONG by now has several major cities of the Northern Areas in its network including Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Besham and Sust and now it will have more adjacent surrounding areas too. ZONG received its license from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to provide cellular services in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Northern Areas (AJK & NA) in August, 2007.

“Keeping our tradition of unparalleled achievements, this is once again our new accomplishment and we shall continue to be making waves in Pakistan”, he further added.

ZONG is part of China Mobile which is the world’s largest cellular company having 370 million customers, managing more than 200,000 cell sites and handling over 6 billion calls every day.

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Northern Areas to be renamed as Gilgit Baltistan

Tuesday, November 25th, 2008

GILGIT, Nov 24: Northern Areas Legislative Assembly (NALA) on Monday approved recommendations of its select committee, which had proposed that the Northern Areas should be renamed as Gilgit-Baltistan.  The legislative assembly speaker, Malik Mohammad Miskeen, presided over the proceedings of the house.

Member of the legislative assembly (MLA) Fida Mohammad Nashad took the floor to present the recommendations of the committee that had been mandated by the house to come up with a suitable name.

The committee proposed Gilgit-Baltistan and said this was the name which covered all segments of the society and all stakeholders.

The committee, consisting of seven members each from all districts, was constituted unanimously by the entire house to decide on a name for the Northern Areas which would be acceptable to all stakeholders of the society.

The speaker referred the recommendations to the house and let the members hold a debate on it.

Legislative assembly member Ghulam Hussain from Ghanche said the committee deserved ap preciation on this historic moment.

He said the name GilgitBaltistan had a historic background, adding that because of the name Northern Areas the region had suffered a loss, particularly after the devastating earthquake of Azad Kashmir and terrorism in the NWFP.

He said the committee had selected a very suitable name so the house should pass it immediately.

Ghulam Mohammad said within the given resources the committee had done a wonderful job and worked hard to finalise such a beautiful name for the region.

MLA Aftab Haider said 60 years had passed but nothing had been done. It was high time that the house approved the name.

MLA Amna Ansari said the entire population of the region identified themselves with the name Gilgit-Baltistan.

Rani Attiqa said the entire world knew this area with this name so we should not waste time. She favoured the name and said this was the best option which suited the area.

Technocrat Ali Murad said Gilgit-Baltistan was a historic name which was mentioned in the books of history.

Technocrat Mohamad Aslam said since the committee was constituted by the house unanimously the name should therefore be approved.

Deputy Speaker Syed Asad Zaidi also took the floor and said democratic institutions had democratic norms and the decision of the committee was unanimous. Adviser on Information Sikandar Ali said petty issues should be ignored for the larger interest of the area.

However, Adviser on Law Haji Abdul Quddos opposed the name Gilgit-Baltistan and said it would sow hatred among the communities of the region. He argued that there should be one name. MLA Sultan Madad also opposed the name and insisted that the house should not decide the name haphazardly. It should be decided after reaching a consensus, he added.  MLA Gul Mera and Technocrat Jan Alam also had reservations about this name.

Northern Areas Chief Executive Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan and Fidaullah Advocate also participated in the debate.

The speaker eventually ruled that the recommendations should be sent to the government for implementation

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New Buddhist site discovered at Taxila

Monday, November 24th, 2008

TAXILA, Nov 23: Archaeologists have discovered different pieces of sculptures dating back to 3rd - 5th century AD during excavation and preservation of Jinnan Wali Dehri Buddhist Monastery and Stupa, about 13 kilometers north of Taxila.The Deputy Director of Archeology and incharge of the Archeological department Taxila, Mr. Mohammad Bahadur Khan said the Jinnan Wali Dehri site on the left bank of Haro River was destroyed by white Huns in 6th century AD. It became a victim of illegal diggers and treasurer hunters after partition. Even though the diggers and treasure hunters did a lot of escavation and took a lot of materia, an area between the main stupa court and the monastery remained intact. Recently during excavation of a votive stupa adorned with eight stucco sculptures was unearthed around the stupa.

The base of this 3×3 metre votive stupa was also badly damaged by the white Huns, the destroyers of the Gandhara civilization who came from the west between 6th to 8th centry. The chinese pilgrims described that they burned the monastries and killed the monks and Sculptures.

On the east, west, south and north, three stucco sculptures adorned on all directions. Upper parts of all the sculptures were damaged but the lower parts, from the lap, survived. These sculptures of Buddha are seated in different poses i.e Dhiyan Mudra (Meditantion) and Bhmesphara Mudra (touching the earth). Two heads on Indra and Brhman were also discovered from the south-eastern edge of the main stupa court.

Talking to this correspondent, the head of the excavation and preservation team, Abdul Ghafoor Lone, said for the first time the department had excavated the site during 2002-2004 and discovered 17 cells of this Buddhist monastery and stupa. He said a remarkable discovery made at this site was a Buddhist mural painting which he claimed was for the first time discovered from any site in Pakistan. This was a handmade painting on stucco plaster believed to be depicting Lord Buddha surrounded by his followers. Other discoveries included fair quantity of minor antiquities like coins of the Kushan dynasty including Kanishka, Vasudeva, Kidara Kushans and one silver coin of the White Huns; glass and shell bangles, stone and terracotta beads, earthenware storage jars, bowls and small spouted pots, metal objects consisting of large copper bells, iron aero heads, fragments of daggers and spearheads and nails, stucco heads of Buddha and Bodhisattva.

Keeping in view the importance and significance of this site, the US government through its cultural wing at the Islamabad embassy has approved a grant of $31000 for the restoration, conservation, preservation and publication of the site. He said the project would be completed by December.

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Murree to be declared pollution-free town

Tuesday, November 18th, 2008

RAWALPINDI, Nov 16: The Punjab government has decided to declare Murree as a pollutionfree tourism town, and in this regard surveys and studies will be conducted to develop a master plan for the most popular hill station.
As part of the decision, Murree has been declared as environment sensitive area and the status of all projects surrounding the Islamabad-Murree expressway will be reviewed keeping in view the importance of environment.

The government will also review the criteria for issuing noobjection certificate (NOC) for projects and all existing NOCs will once again go under scrutiny. The district officer environment has been asked to carry out a survey of all the projects which have been granted no-objection certificates to bring them under the Environment Protection Act of 1997.

District Coordination Officer Rawalpindi Imdadullah Bosal told Dawn that a steering committee was being formed with the commissioner Rawalpindi as its chairman to monitor the implementation of decisions taken for protection of environment.

Officials of the wildlife, tourism, forest and environment departments would be members of the committee.

The government also plans to include IUCN and WWF in the committee.

The DCO said Kotli Sattian and Kahuta were also being declared as environment sensitive areas as part of the plan to make Murree a pollution-free tourism town.

Situated at an altitude of 7,500 feet from sea level, Murree is one of the largest resort towns in the Galyat area.

In view of the ongoing security situation in the tourism potential areas of NWFP including Swat, Murree has become an important spot for tourists.

Tourism in Murree was at its peak last summer when domestic tourists from all over the country spent their holidays in the thriving resort.

Murree has great potential for tourism but tourists are discouraged due to lack of basic facilities like standard and budget hotels and efficient transport. While the Punjab government faces shortage of funds and is unable to develop the summer resort further, private sector is also shy and making no major investment in the area.

The ongoing development in Murree and adjoining areas to meet the demands of growing population has created an imbalance between development and conservation. The beauty of Murree is being marred by highrising buildings despite legislation restrictions.

The forests of Murree, which are part of the unique Himalayan forest ecosystem, are also under severe threat due to overuse and ill-planned infrastructure. The provision of natural gas to the hill station would be of great help to reduce the degradation of natural forests of high ecological significance.

Tags: galiyat, murree, murree hills, pakistan
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People Enjoyed Eid Ul Fitr in pakistan

Thursday, October 9th, 2008

Irrespective of the prices of essential articles in the open market, men, women and, in particular, children enjoy preparing for Eidul Fitr, which marks the culmination of the holy month, Ramzanul Mubarik.

The rush in commercial plazas and markets is more or less the same, despite making shoppers a little more cautious due to the law and order situation, suicide attacks and bomb explosions. Celebrations were dampened by the tragic event that took place at a posh hotel in Islamabad, just when the world was about to observe International Peace Day and the faithful were ready to sit in mosques and other places in Aitekaaf. But shoppers keep their fingers crossed, pray for peace, solidarity and integrity in the Motherland and go around the markets in Anarkali, Shadman, Gulberg and other such areas from where they can obtain the required items, depending on the resources available to them.

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PTDC Motels rates to remain unchanged

Monday, August 25th, 2008

ISLAMABAD, Aug 23 2008: The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation has said that the rates of hotels and Motels run by PTDC will remain unchanged and last year’s rates will remain applicable despite increase in oil prices during the recent months.“PTDC has not revised the rates in its motels across Pakistan despite the upward inflationary trend in petroleum products. This reflects our commitment to promote tourism in Pakistan,” said Managing Director PTDC Amanullah.

During his visit to PTDC motels in Naran, Ayubia and Bahawalpur, he instructed the officials concerned to improve quality of food and accommodation services and provide all possible assistance to the tourists.

“We stand committed to promoting tourism not only on domestic scale but also on international level by extending good hospitality,” he said.

He said PTDC was committed to developing existing infrastructure including a proposed mega project at the Gadani beach which, if approved, would be a beach resort of international standards.

In addition to that, he said, efforts were under way to develop tourist resorts in AJK and southern Punjab.

Following PTDC motel rates and reservations are available on our web site.

PTDC Motel Ayubia, PTDC Malam Jabba Ski Resort Swat, PTDC Motel BIRMOGLASHT Chitral, PTDC Motel Balakot Balakot , PTDC Motel Besham Besham , PTDC Motel Chinnar Inn Gilgit , PTDC Motel Hunza Hunza , PTDC Motel Kalam Kalam , PTDC Motel Khaplu Skardu , PTDC Motel Mastuj Chitral , PTDC Motel Miandam Swat  , PTDC Motel Moenjo Daro Larkana , PTDC Motel Naran Naran , PTDC Motel Panakot Dir , PTDC Motel Rama Lake Gilgit ,  PTDC Motel Saidu Sharief Swat,  PTDC Motel Skardu Skardu , PTDC Motel Sost Hunza , PTDC Motel Taftan Taftan , PTDC Motel Taxila Taxila , PTDC Motel Ziarat Ziarat , PTDC Motel Bahawalpur , PTDC Motel Chitral,  PTDC Motel Chitral , Ptdc Motel Skardu , Ptdc Motel Lahore

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Pakistan as final host of the ICC Champions Trophy in September 08

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

LAHORE: International Cricket Council has decided to go ahead with Pakistan as the final host of the Champions Trophy in September.

Addressing a press conference here in Lahore, the Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board, Dr. Nasim Ashraf has said that Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy in September. He said many foreign players had expressed concerns about playing in Pakistan after which the ICC constituted a special Task Force to review security arrangements in Pakistan.

Dr. Nasim Ashraf said the Task Force would be headed by ICC President, David Morgan while Sharad Pawar; the President of BCCI would be Secretary. The PCB Chairman specially thanked India for supporting Pakistan. He termed Pakistan as the safest destination for holding the ICC Champions Trophy.

Travel & Culture has announced special tours for witnessing these matches which include the following.

Schedule of matches and related hotels for ICC Championship 2008

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International Buddhit Conference at Moen Jo Daro in November

Sunday, June 22nd, 2008

The federal ministry of tourism has planned an International Buddhist conference in November this year to highlight the history of the region with special focus on Moenjodaro Federal Secretary of Tourism Shahzad Qaisar Sindhu stated this while talking to journalists during his visit to Moenjodaro here on Friday.He said in past this huge archaeological site had been ignored. While drawing similarities between the Indus Civilisation and the Gandhara Civilisation he said that it should be introduced on wider level to attract tourists especially from Japan and Korea.  He said a group of 100 tourists from across the world would visit Moenjodaro during the Buddhist conference where he said a motel that lacked facilities would be upgraded.

He announced a grant of Rs1 million for meeting the urgent needs of the motel.  He admitted that the separation of culture and tourism departments at federal level had affected the development projects despite similarities in the nature of their jobs.

He, however, stressed the need of coordinated efforts to bridge this gap. In reply to a question regarding the second phase of Moenjodaro Master Plan he said he would contact the secretary culture in Islamabad and would also contact PIA for making efforts to increase flights to Moenjodaro to provide easy access to the international tourists to visit the place.

He said that the National Bank of Pakistan would reopen its branch at Moenjodaro with foreign exchange counter. On the occasion he announced confirming three employees of motel in services.

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President (ICC) Ray Mali says Pakistan safe for international cricket

Thursday, June 19th, 2008

Recently President of International Cricket Council (ICC) Ray Mali visited Rawalpindi and said that Pakistan possesses a safe and secure atmosphere for international cricket therefore all teams due to participate in Champions Trophy must ascertain to visit here.

Pakistan is in the best position to arrange Champions Trophy and the preparations for this event are in the dying moments, analyzing the measures taken for the event at Pindi Cricket Stadium, President ICC said.

President ICC was amazed to see the Pindi Cricket Stadium and said the ground can provide International Standards of the cricket.

“I have to prepare a report on the cricketing atmosphere here in Pakistan for which I myself have paid visit in here”, he said talking to the newsmen.

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Shandur Polo Festival to start from 7th to 9th July

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008

The three day polo tournament organized by Gilgit and Chitral polo clubs will be played at Shandur pass 12000 feet above sea level. The tournament will be played between local  administration and Telenor Pakistan. More than 12,000 local and international visitors, the festival will witness a traditional polo tournament between the teams of Gilgit & Chitral from 7th- 9th July, 2008It is a place unique and exotic in itself, surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. The event marks the annual rivalry between the polo teams of Gilgit and Chitral. Supporters of both sides travel long distances from the remote parts, to watch the thrilling game. The event offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the people of this region. Their culture and indigenous customs are a delight to observe for the visitors. Some added attractions for the visitors at the Shandur Polo Festival this year will be: horse racing without saddles, tampooq bazi, selection of the best horse of Chitral and the Northern Areas, paragliding and motorized gliding. Visitors will also witness a beautiful display of fireworks by an international company, known for their recent work at the Olympic Torch ceremony held in Islamabad. The first Shandur Polo Tournament was played in 1833. A British Political Agent Major Cobb, who had the polo ground at Shandur named after himself, organized the first tournament. He was fond of playing the game under the full moon. Since then polo in Shandur has been a tradition. The most spectacular polo of present times is played at the Shandur Top between Gilgit and Chitral teams every July at 12,250ft. above seal level, the splendor and glory of polo is an event not to be missed.

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