Tourism, a mean to bring nations closer: Nilofar
By Hina Kiyani

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Tourism Nilofar Bakhtiar said on Tuesday tourism was a binding force to bring countries across the world closer to each other.
The minister said at a lunch she hosted in honour of Chief Priest Kenechoji Temple, Japan, Shodo Yoshuda alongwith an entourage of 29 Buddhist Monks here.
Secretary Ministry of Tourism Salim Gul Sheikh, Pakistan Ambassador to Japan Kamran Niaz, Managing Director of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation Salman Javed and other officials of Ministry of Tourism were also present.
Nilofar Bakhtiar said Government was committed to the preservation and upkeep of archaeological heritage including Gandhara Civilisation.
She said Pakistan had presented a replica of fasting Buddha to Japan at the Eichi IT exhibition last year, which has been placed at Kenchoji Temple in Tokyo.
The minister said the year 2007 was being celebrated as `Visit Pakistan Year' that would feature a host of colourful events including Gandhara Week to promote country's fabulous tourist potential as well as to project its softer image abroad.
Earlier, the Japanese delegation which also included businessmen, tourists and people belonging to different walks of life called on Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, visited Taxila Museum, Julian Buddhist University and Dharmarajika.
It would also call on Punjab Chief Minister in Lahore followed by visit to Lahore Museum Badshahi Masjid and Lahore Fort.