Guest Post by Bradistan Calling
The government has decided to celebrate the year 2007 as ‘Visit Pakistan Year‘.
Tourism is one of the biggest industries in the world. It can bring employment, opportunities and recognition. Pakistan is one of the best kept secrets of the tourism industry. Posts on ATP - on our various hidden tourist gems, our history, our culture and heritage, etc. - are examples of all that Pakistan has to offer. Everyone has their own ideas on Pakistan and pakistaniat; but ATP has demonostrated our ‘unity in diversity.’
ATP is the right forum for discussing how we can make “Visit Pakistan 2007″ a success.
What avenues can be explored for participation and promotion of Pakistan. How can we 
attract tourists to Pakistan in 2007 and beyond? What can institutions like the national flag carrier (PIA) do to become a calling card for Pakistani tourism and hospitality? What role can the media play in this? And what can Pakistanis abroad do?
If those Pakistanis who live abroad decide to take ‘Visit Pakistan 2007′ seriously, others will surely follow.
Bradistan Calling is a proud Pakistani in Bradford, West yorkshire (Little Pakistan).
http://www.dawn.com/2007/07/24/top16.htm
THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION
Rob:
[quote] I think � Qalander Abad� means saint’s abode, referes to small town north of Abbottabad, Saint thomas came to india to preach gospel [/quote]
Yes, qalandar means a mystic or a soofi, also a saint — a person who experiences God within him/herself rather than seeking Him externally by following certain rituals. Incidentally, qalandars are also known to routinely smoke hashish or charas, which, I am told, helps concentrate the mind.
Qalandar is not an uncommon name in NWFP.
Regarding the naming of that little town Qalandarabad, where Bach missionary hospital is located, my information is different. And this is from the horse’s mouth. The horse(s) in this case being the people of Qalandarabad. They say, back in the 40’s and 50’s there was a man named Qalandar who was a known wrestler in the area. Since wrestling didn’t earn him any money, he opened a little kabab shop on the roadside where he would cook and sell chapli kebabs, which sold like — well, hot kebabs. He sold kebabs 6 days a week and participated in wrestling or kabaddi matches over the weeken. The village that grew around that kebab shop came to be known as Qalandarabad. That kabab shop is now a roadside restaurant, which, I am told, is owned by Qalandar’s grandchildren.
I am aware of the story of St. Thomas and that he passed through Taxila, but I didn’t know if he passed by Mangal or Mansehra.
Dear MQ
I think ” Qalander Abad” means saint’s abode, referes to small town north of Abbottabad, Saint thomas came to india to preach gospel
Guardian UK (newspaper) features Pakistan travel & tourism on its website(one of the most visited newspaper sites in the world)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/pakistan
Visit pakistan Mobilink CNN
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SBMLdAYxMak
Did any one see Mobilink Advertisement on CNN international
or may be posted on you tube, about pakistan tourism destination
in this environment of hostility would anyone take the advertisement seriously
The houses and businesses in Islamabad being spied by swarms of madrassa students for any “immoral activities” and the “culprits” — both nationals and foreigners — being kidnapped to the Lal Masjid for meting out justice; the government leaders, both at the federal and provincial level, encouraging, condoning and even threatening suicide attacks against “blasphemers”; the Northern Areas under the lengthening shadow of the Taliban; and Karachi floating in its own sewage. Who would want to visit Pakistan in 2007 for leisure and recreation?