Skardu: 15 Aug 2024 – On the Independence Day of Pakistan, under the auspices of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a flag hoisting ceremony was held at Deosai,the highest plains of the world.
Along with the delegates of the National Tourism Summit, the Ambassadors of the European Union, Egypt, Myanmar, Yemen, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan along with the representatives of Turkey and Portugal envoys participated in this history making event.
On this occasion, Ambassadors and their families accompanied the participants in raising slogans of Pakistan ZindaBad. During this exceptional event, the participants were carrying national flags in their hands.
Speaking on the occasion, President ICCI Ahsan Bakhtawari said that he was proud to have the honor of celebrating independence day and hoisting the national flag at the highest venue of the country, adding that it was his heartfelt wish to celebrate the Day with Ambassadors at this most beautiful area of Pakistan which is important to highlight the positive image of the country.
The European Union Ambassador Dr. Riina Kionuka, in her address at this moment, said that on this happy occasion, she on behalf of the EU congratulates the brave and passionate Pakistani nation, vowing that we will strengthen cooperation in every field, including Education, trade, Health, climate change etc. in the days to come.
M Azhar Bin Mazlan, the High Commissioner of Malaysia, said that Pakistan and Malaysia are best friends and are partners of good and bad times and that we are all proud of the achievements of Pakistan it obtained after its independence.
Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Khazar Farhadov extended heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of Pakistan on behalf of his government and the people. He said that both the countries have worked together in every field in the last two decades and that steps are being taken to increase this multifaceted cooperation.
Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin said that Pakistan is the most beautiful country and its brilliant people are its pride and that participation in the celebration is a source of joy and honor for him. On this happy occasion, we once again express our commitment and determination to enhance this mutual cooperation for the benefit of the people of the two countries.
Former President ICCI Zafar Bakhtawari said that celebrating Pakistan’s Independence Day at this most beautiful place is a matter of immense pride for all of us. Hoisting the national flag on these highest mountains and the participation of Ambassadors from all over the world is not only an opportunity to celebrate freedom but also a message that each nook and corner of this country is safe and poised to progress and prosper.
Ambassadors and diplomats attended the 2nd ICCI International Tourism Summit Skardu from 13-15 Aug. The Ambassadors expressed their views on the tourism potential of Pakistan in the Summit.
The Ambassador of European Union Dr.Riina Kionka said that Gilgit-Baltistan is the most beautiful area, enjoying immense potential to enhance the soft image of Pakistan worldwide through tourism and that by increasing tourism facilities, the region can be made a hub of international tourism. She said that the European Union is committed to start many projects for the promotion of tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan including Education, trade, Health, climate change etc. in the days to come.
The High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan, M Azhar Bin Mazlan said that Pakistan and Malaysia are all weather friends and that we are all proud of the achievements of Pakistan, made during the last 77 years. Promoting tourism in these areas can not only boost Pakistan’s economy but also showcase the country’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, thereby helping to project a soft image of Pakistan globally, he added. He said that there is a need to promote mutual cooperation in the field of tourism in Pakistan and Malaysia and both sides can share their experiences with each other.
The Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan, Dr. Ihab Abdel Hamid Hasan said that he was working for the VISA on arrival for the business community of Pakistan, which will surely strengthen the economic relations between the two countries.
Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Khazar Farhadov said that Pakistan’s northern areas, including Gilgit-Baltistan are tremendously beautiful and offer immense potential for tourism. The region’s diverse landscapes, ranging from mountains to lush valleys and serene lakes, make it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin said that Pakistan is the most beautiful country and its brilliant people are its pride. He reaffirmed his country’s commitment and determination to enhance multilateral cooperation for the benefit of the people of the two countries.
Ambassador of Mayamar Wunna Han highlighted Gilgit-Baltistan’s tourism potential by drawing parallels with his country’s cultural heritage by expressing the hope that ICCI’s endeavors to unlock the tourism potential of the region will bear fruit.
Ambassador of Yemen Mohammed Motaher Alashabi spoke about Yemen’s tourism potential, cultural heritage, and sought to enhance tourism cooperation with Pakistan.
Charge d’Affaires of Libya Mohammad BinJama envisioned stronger tourism links between Pakistan and Libya by calling for joint efforts to boost travel and cultural exchange.
The Portuguese diplomat discussed the commonalities between Pakistan and Portugal’s tourism industries, potentially paving the way for future cooperation and collaboration.
Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President ICCI, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Ambassadors and diplomats for their participation in the successful summit, reaffirming ICCI’s commitment to driving economic growth through tourism development. He pledged to continue achieving such milestones under his leadership, fostering collaboration and innovation for a prosperous Pakistan.”
Finally, the visiting Ambassadors and diplomats were honored with awards in a dignified ceremony, acknowledging their significant contributions to promoting business relations and tourism between Pakistan and their respective countries.
This recognition highlighted the ICCI’s gratitude for their ongoing support and cooperation in exploring innovative opportunities for tourism growth and economic collaboration. The awardees include:
The awards were presented to Dr.Riina Kionka, Mohammad Azhar Bin Mazlan, Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan, Khazar Farhadov, Yerzhan Kistafin ,Motahir Ftahallah Alashabi, Wunna Han, Mohamed Benjama,Tiago Miguel Rodrigues Monterio, Ghazanfar Mehmood.
The ICCI also presented shields to Sajid Ali Sadpara, a Pakistani high-altitude mountaineer who at the age of nineteen climbed K2, the world’s second highest mountain and Raja Nasir Ali Khan, Minister for Planning and Development Gilgit Baltistan in appreciation of their exceptional services to the tourism industry.
Skardu: 15 Aug 2024 – On the Independence Day of Pakistan, under the auspices of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a flag hoisting ceremony was held at Deosai,the highest plains of the world.
