Encouraging tourism: Silk Route Festival kicks off in Gilgit-Baltistan

GILGIT: A three-day Silk Route Festival will kick off in various parts of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) today (Sunday). “The aim is to display a softer image of the region to the world,” said Chief Secretary Younas Dhaga at a press conference on Saturday.

 

The festival, spread across Gilgit, Hunza and Gojal valleys, will include cultural shows and displays of tourist attractions in the region. “Six ambassadors and 22 diplomats from 14 countries are coming to G-B for the festival,” Dhaga told journalists at his office.


The event has been organised in an attempt to revive tourism after one of the worst attacks on tourists took place in the region earlier this year. In June, 10 foreign climbers were massacred at the foot of the Nanga Parbat.

“After the attacks, there was an impression that G-B is a dangerous land for foreigners. But we want to prove this isn’t the case,” said Dhaga, referring to the exodus of tourists in the aftermath.

Most of the accused involved in the shooting have been arrested, he added.
Though countries issued travel advisories on travelling to Pakistan, Dhaga hoped diplomats would return satisfied with the situation after attending the Silk Route Festival.

Foolproof measures have been taken to ensure the event goes smoothly, shared the chief secretary.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27^th, 2013.