Pakistan: A country with huge tourism potential

The scenic beauty of Skardu located in the northern areas of Pakistan.

Pakistan is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, dating back to 6500 B.C.
Mehergarh in Balochistan and the Indus Valley civilization flourished in this part of the world. Remains of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa indicate both were well-planned cities. Their inhabitants enjoyed a healthy and advanced lifestyle.
At its peak, the Indus Valley civilization spanned much of the present-day Pakistan and North India, extending westward to the Iranian border, south to Gujarat in present-day India.
Taxila is another archeological treasure of the ancient Gandhara Kingdom located in Pakistan. It is a city of the Gandharan civilization. Taxila was a hub of Buddhism, a center of learning, an urban metropolis and a meeting point of various cultures like Achaemenids, Greeks, Mauryans, Scythians, Parthians, Kushans, Huns and eventually the Muslims.
Later in the history, the great Mughal’s laid the foundations of an illustrious era of art, music, architecture, and gardens. The remnants of that era are scattered all over Pakistan. Lahore known as the cultural hub of Pakistan, host some of the most impressive Mughal and Victorian architecture. The Wazir Khan Mosque and Sheesh Mahal’s glasswork art at Lahore Fort are few examples.
Pakistan is one of the few countries in the world that exhibit an amazing contrast of people in terms of color, creed, race, and customs. The country’s multicultural past has given its people a diverse cuisine varying from province to province.
Pakistan manufactures the finest sports goods including some world-class brands. The footballs used in the World Cup are manufactured in Sialkot. Pakistan is also is famous for its surgical instruments. The hand-woven carpets and rugs of Pakistan are acclaimed and appreciated throughout the world.
The diverse ecosystem of the country also makes it an attractive tourist destination. The varying landscape, deserts in the south to the lush green planes and the majestic mountain in the north, makes Pakistan very unique offering all four seasons throughout the year.
Mountains and peaks are scattered all over the world but Pakistan is known to have the greatest concentration of peaks above 8,000 meters as well as being the home to the second highest peak of the world. The northern areas of Pakistan are endowed with scenic beauty.
• The writer is consul (press) at Pakistan Consulate, Jeddah.