Nilofar for Provincial, Government cooperation to attract more visitors
By Bushra Rafique

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Tourism Nilofar Bakhtyar on Tuesday underlined the need of cooperation between provincial and federal government for the construction of infrastructure and telecommunication system to attract more tourists for ‘Visit Pakistan 2007 Year’.
She observed this in a meeting of Senate Standing Committee for Tourism and Sports. Federal Secretary Salim Gull Sheikh, Chairman Committee Senator Zafar Iqbal, Enwar Baig, Rosena Alam Khan, Fauzia Fukhar-uz-Zaman and Raheela Baloch were also present on the occasion.
“ Preparations have been completed for the festivity of 2007 as 52 mega events will be conducted to attract more visitors in the country,” she remarked, adding that Pakistan is endowed with beautiful places which needs to be explored.
Specials celebrations relating to all religions will also be held during the year, he added.
She maintained that the government had started marketing of the year to catch the attention of visitors in China, Britain, US and Japan, which would be expanded to other countries.
While answering a query of Senator Enwar Baig, she assured that it would be a memorable year for the country as the decision was taken by the previous ministry. Ministry is facing many challenges in this regard and I accept this portfolio as a challenge after assuming this ministry, she held.
She stated that eight tourist villages would be established in different areas with the collaboration of international private institutions whereas twenty four companies had been submitted bid to the ministry in this regard.
She also stressed on the committee to play its role for provision of visas in SAARC countries. Interior Ministry has decided to establish special cell in this regard, she explained.
Chairman Standing Committee Zafar Iqbal assured that complete cooperation would be extended to resolve the problems of the ministry whereas for easy visas. The committee will discuss this matter with foreign and interior ministries, he pointed out.
“ If the government decides to give visas to Indian tourists, a bulk of tourists would come to Pakistan,” he added. He also assured to take all measures for promoting the image of the country during next year.
At this occasion, the committee presented recommendations to the ministry.