Nigerien youth especially Student leaders, members of youth associations, clubs, sportsmen and social media activists were invited. The ceremony started with the recitation of the holy Quran followed by the National Anthems of both countries. His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Ali Sirohey Ambassador of Pakistan to Niger informed the audience about Pakistan and its diverse culture. He underscored that Pakistan is rich in its tourist destinations offering a diverse range of choices for different types of tourists.
The country is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, has innumerable locations of scenic beauty, the world’s highest mountains, many religious and historic places, unique arts and crafts and rich culture and heritage. He highlighted that the British Backpacker Society ranked Pakistan as the world’s top adventure travel destination in 2018, describing the country as “one of the friendliest countries on earth, with mountain scenery that is beyond anyone’s wildest imagination”. Pakistan is home to a number of UNESCO world heritage sites like Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro, the Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol, Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore, Historical Monuments at Makli, Thatta, Rohtas Fort and Taxila, Pakistan’s Envoy added.
The Ambassador of Pakistan further informed that the Government of Pakistan has taken various initiatives to promote medical and religious tourism in Pakistan. Various religious sites including kartarput and others have been reconstructed recently. This initiative has also drawn the attention of the Hindu and Sikh community around the world. A recent survey data revealed that a whopping 83 percent of the eight million diaspora Sikhs living outside India had shown interest in visiting Pakistan. Also, 79 percent of the 20 million Indian Sikhs expressed an interest in visiting Pakistan.
He answered various questions raised by the audience. He also urged them to visit Pakistan for study, and treatment or to visit the beautiful sites in Pakistan. The participants thanked the Ambassador of Pakistan for the invitation and thorough briefing.
