ISLAMABAD: Tourism industry was picking up as the law and order situation had improved in the country.

This was stated by Managing Director Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Abdul Ghafoor here.
He said that the Corporation is making efforts to promote various forms of tourism specially religious tourism in the country.

He said PTDC was putting efforts to attract the tourists from Buddhist countries, Sikh and Hindus from across the
world.  He said that religious tourism could promote the country's soft image, besides generating economic activity, he remarked.

He said Pakistan had one of the best archaeological and historical sites in the world. He said that Pakistan was famous for its Indus Valley civilization sites at Moenjodaro and Harappa.

Buddhist Civilization at Taxila, Swat and Takht Bai were of great interest and source of attraction for tourists from Japan, Korea, Thailand and other countries. He also said adding there are prehistoric sites in the Potohar region.
Mr.Ghafoor further said that Pakistan had immense tourism potential as its rich and diverse culture was quite attractive for foreign tourists.

Festivals like Shandoor polo festival, Sibi mela, Besakhi and Urs at Shabaz Qalandar attract thousands of domestic as well as foreign tourists, he said. -APP