Pakistan as Tourist Destination? What is there to see in Pakistan?

[ZammaJann]

Pakistan is a country rich in history. What a shame that many westerners will never consider visiting due to the political climate. When I went recently, everyone asked me "What is there to see in Pakistan?" Um, The University at Taxilla?, Shalimar Gardens? to start.

I was saddened that I was not able to move about the land freely. I could not get up into the mountains due to security reasons, but from what I could see, it is breathtaking. If only Pakistan can get it's act together, they could make some good money on westerners on tourism

[ThatGirl]

I agree with you completely, OP. I think that Pakistan could potentially make an amazing tourist spot, but tensions are growing more and more, especially with the US in recent months. We have already started air strikes, and Obama has made it clear how little tolerance he will hold, and his plans to begin real action in the region.

This, as well as the usual climate, makes it unlikely that this will soon become a reality.

[blue-t]

This is one of the biggest impact from terrorism. The local people are afraid to leave their houses, shopping or even just walking around in public places. Although they know that their friends and families are at the same places. People start to forget the historical places and the tourist spot that pakistan used to have.

[shymaaz]

The political conditions in the country are really terrible. There is an atmosphere of war and blood in most of its regions. No body will like to see the breathtaking beauty at the cost of life.

[saggygenius]

Well friend,at this moment no one would go to such a place where one can guarantee the safety of the Tourists who are going to visit Pakistan.
And the Attack on the Sri Lankan Cricket team was pretty much evident that there are many loopholes in the security department of Pakistan government.

[researchpro]

Yeah , Lack of security and increasing terror actions in Pakistan is one of the reason many foreign tourists do not choose Pakistan as their destination. Open attacks by terrorists on Srilankan cricketers is one of the horrifying acts by terrorists which has adversely affected not only the Pakistani cricket but also the tourism in Pakistan.

[thegamevg]

I think its unimaginable to think of Pakistan as a tourist destination in today's date..Terrorism has grown to such a scale that nobody feels safe there...and especially with the attacks targeting foreign tourists, Pakistan faces a global isolation like never before..
Unless Pakistan stops harboring terrorism and starts putting money into the welfare of people rather than military exploits, it cannot start digging itself out of this hole its in.

[ranger]

Originally Posted by ZammaJann

Pakistan is a country rich in history. What a shame that many westerners will never consider visiting due to the political climate. When I went recently, everyone asked me "What is there to see in Pakistan?" Um, The University at Taxilla?, Shalimar Gardens? to start.

I was saddened that I was not able to move about the land freely. I could not get up into the mountains due to security reasons, but from what I could see, it is breathtaking. If only Pakistan can get it's act together, they could make some good money on westerners on tourism

I would blame no one else but the government. Not even basic security needs are satisfied. The attack against Lankan cricket team is the most embarrassing and utter disgrace for Pakistan government, because if they couldn't provide good security for VIP's, how one can trust them? Well before even thinking about tourism, get at least the basic security tight.

[binil]

I too agree that Pakistan has a great historical culture. But the late incidents have really put a dent in tourism.. I believe it is also affecting the whole economy of Pakistan. This has to end. I don't think the government has any real power to end this. So its in the hands of the people..

[Fracker]

Originally Posted by binil

I too agree that Pakistan has a great historical culture. But the late incidents have really put a dent in tourism.. I believe it is also affecting the whole economy of Pakistan. This has to end. I don't think the government has any real power to end this. So its in the hands of the people..

No it is not in the hand of the people... It is in the hands of those who are involve in this area for quite some times.. I belong to Pakistan, and there was time when we used to see tourist going to swat and admire the beautiful Swat. Swat was one of the beautiful place on this planet earth. I miss my visit alot. I go to murree which is also beautiful, but not anywhere equal to swat. I used to see people flying around to textila, monjdaro, harrapa, and many more, i even can't count those.. There are many tourist spots still available for locals but foreigners, i am sorry to say, it is not much left behind.. And Which is now ruined by just foreign involvement in this area. I really feel bad for my country

Pakistan is excellent tourist resort. There is not as much danger as mentioned above. There are number of places blessed with the abundant of natural beauty. These are completely safe from terrorism.
I would like to mention name of some places.

1: Neelum Valley
2: kaghan Valley
3: Lipa Valley
4: Chakar
5: Narhan
6: Balakot
7: Muzaffarabad

most of these places are in azad jammu & kashmir and no terrorist here.