The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has carved a unique niche in Pakistan, particularly in promoting tourism. Under the dynamic leadership of its young and energetic President, Mr Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, the Chamber has significantly enhanced business activities in the Islamabad region over the past two years. Yet, despite his vigor, Mr Bakhtawari’s father, the seasoned Zafar Bakhtawari, seems to carry an ageless spirit that surpasses even his son’s youthful enthusiasm.
Soon after assuming my role as Secretary General, I was tasked with organizing the second edition of a tour to Skardu. For someone like me, who has explored the world yet never ventured into this particular slice of paradise within Pakistan, the prospect was exhilarating. Skardu, like every inch of this richly endowed yet poorly managed nation, offers a glimpse of heaven on Earth.
Pakistan is a land of contrasts, from its eight towering peaks, second only to the Himalayas, to its vast range of temperatures from minus fifty to plus fifty degrees Celsius. It is a country blessed with precious metals and stones, deep-sea ports, fertile plains, and various fruits but plagued by poor governance. Our delegation included ambassadors and diplomats from the European Union, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Myanmar, Yemen, Turkey, Libya, and Portugal.
A short 45-minute flight transported us to a world where snow-capped peaks, like modest ladies draped in white shawls, stood as silent sentine.