No effort to be spared to promote tourism in
northern areas: Chief Executive
..........KARACHI (October 23)
: Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf has said that no effort will be spared for the promotion of tourism in the Northern Areas (NAs). ..........In this regard, he thanked Prince Karim Aga Khan for his guidance and his contribution to the development of social sector in Pakistan. ..........He was speaking at dinner hosted by His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan and his wife Her Highness Princess Anara Karim Aga Khan for him and his wife at a local hotel here on Saturday. ..........The dinner was largely attended, among others by Sindh Governor Mohammadmian Soomro and his wife Khadija Soomro, Sahibzada Yaqub Khan, Aga Khan University President Shams Kassem Lakha, defunct National Assembly speaker Elahi Bukhsh Soomro, State Bank Governor Dr Ishrat Hussain, Sharifuddin Pirzada, federal and provincial ministers, diplomats, AKU trustees, donors, community leaders besides, senior Sindh government officials including' chief secretary, IG police, Karachi commissioner and notables. ..........The chief executive recalled his first meeting with the Aga Khan in Paris and said it had always been a pleasure for him in meeting the Aga Khan. He expressed his gratitude for what he is doing for Pakistan and planning to do for the country in future. ..........General Pervez Musharraf said that Aga Khan's philanthropic support for the health and education sectors and for Northern Areas is a clear proof of his vision and attachment to Pakistan and its various areas. ..........He appreciated all the guidance from the Aga Khan towards the development of the social sector, culture and tourism. ..........The chief executive said the government was very keen to develop the tourism sector. He pointed out that Pakistan is a most beautiful country. ..........He said majority of the people may not have been familiar with the Northern Areas and told them to get themselves familiarised with these areas and added that the guidance from His Highness Aga Khan in this regard is welcomed. ..........Expressing his gratitude to Prince Karim Aga Khan and his community for the role they play for Pakistan and their efforts for the betterment of the people, the chief executive said this was visible from the Aga Khan University's Annual Convocation (which he attended earlier in the afternoon), adding this convocation was an extraordinary example of discipline and never saw such a disciplined event throughout the country. ..........He also referred to the Aga Khan's educational project at the College of Arts and Science and observed that it will prove to be another land-mark. ..........General Pervez Musharraf hoped that Her Highness Princes Anara Karim Aga Khan, who was on her maiden visit here, will visit Pakistan every year and he and his wife will look forward for frequent visits by Her Highness. .........."We may be poor but by heart we are rich to play host to you", General Pervez Musharraf remarked. He told the distinguished visitors to treat Pakistan as their home. He expressed his gratitude to the Aga Khan for his warm sentiments for Pakistan. ..........Earlier, Prince Karim Aga Khan, in his speech, expressed his gratitude to Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf and the Pakistan government for the hospitality extended to him and his wife during their current visit. ..........He also thanked the chief executive for the help provided to the institutions in Pakistan which he represents. ..........The Aga Khan made a reference to the conference of Philanthropy held in Islamabad and said the moot made his commitments possible. ..........He spoke about educating the human resources not only in the cities but also in rural majority. In this scenario, he observed the Philanthropy conference will produce positive results, measurable in a short time. ..........The Aga Khan said he is looking forward to the development of Northern Areas and the development of tourism and culture there for which there is tremendous potential. ..........His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan said the upcoming the College of Arts and Science will have' an impact on education in Pakistan as well as in the up-gradation of quality of education. ..........He expressed his gratefulness for what he described his wonderful stay in Pakistan.-APP ..........Copyright 2000 APP (Published under arrangement with Associated Press of Pakistan) ..........