Pakistan offers unique, diverse opportunities for tourism Imran.

Byline: Hamid Asghar

GUJAR KHAN -- Prime Minister Imran Khan has said Pakistan can provide a multiplicity of choices for tourists that no other country can, elaborating on the diversity of opportunities to be found in the country - from its long coastline to some of the world's tallest mountains and heritage sites, including those belonging to ancient civilisations.

He expressed these views after inaugurating the heritage trail project at Al-Bairuni Point (Baghan Wala Village) at Nandana Fort in Jhelum district on Sunday. The trail in Pind Dadan Khan, the premier said, would be the gateway to seven archaeological sites, including Nandana Fort, Shiva Temple, Tilla Joggian, Khewra Salt Mines, Mallot Fort and Takht-i-Babri.

Nandana Fort is a place of historical significance, where renowned mathematician Abu Rehan al-Bairuni measured the circumference of the Earth. Built in the eighth century, the fort was strategically located on a hilltop overlooking the Salt Range.

The tourism and archaeological department of Punjab has designed the project for preservation and conservation of the site to convert it into an international tourist spot as per the desire of the prime minister. Over Rs120 million had initially been allocated for the preservation project.

Inaugurates Nandana Fort heritage trail project, two national parks

Speaking to the local community after the inauguration, Mr Khan said no nation could progress without exploring and examining its history. Preservation and protection of archaeological sites provided an insight into the history and ethos of the nations, he said, while regretting that little or no effort had been made in the past to preserve or discover heritage. 'Even Mohenjodaro and Harappa [archaeological sites of the Indus Valley civilisation] were discovered by the British,' he remarked.

However, he said recently the archaeology expert, Mr Samad, who was also present at the ceremony, had discovered a 40-foot statue of Buddha near Haripur. After the discovery, he added, the followers of Buddhism from across the world wanted to visit the site.

He said the conservation and preservation of the historical sites in Jhelum was aimed to convert them into international heritage and tourism sites.

The premier, who also inaugurated Tilla Joggian and Salt Range national parks in the Paddri area near Jhelum, said the preservation of the Nandana Fort and the establishment of the national parks was part of the 2020-30 vision for tourism in...