KARACHI: Majyd Aziz, Former President Employers Federation of Pakistan, who is also Founding Chairman Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum, has proposed that the Federal Ministry of Tourism, in association with Sri Lanka Ministry of Tourism, and with support of the Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka and Pakistan, must plan a week-long celebration of the Buddhist religious holiday of Veshak in May 2025 preferably in Taxila.
Majyd Aziz was addressing the Sri Lanka Tourism and Networking Evening organized in Karachi by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau in association with the Sri Lankan Consulate General. He said that Buddhism has been present in Pakistan for over 1000 years and there are many temples and relics in all Provinces. He advised that both the Ministries and Travel Agents should coordinate with their counterparts in many Asian countries to promote this event.
He informed that the global Sikh community routinely visit Pakistan, especially to pray at the Gurdwara Darbar Sharif in Kartarpur in Punjab. The government has endeavored to provide all facilities for the pilgrims. The Founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, was also born in Nankana Sahib in Punjab and is the holiest place for Sikhs to pray and pay homage.
Mr. Majyd added that this event would also enhance the image of Pakistan and would give a boost to the tourism sector of the country. He was hopeful that the Sri Lankan private sector would also increase their presence at the KCCI My Karachi Exhibition held every year in Karachi. He was optimistic that increased tourist traffic from Sri Lanka would also lead to more awareness of the markets, culture, religious, and national sectors of Pakistan. He also called for on-arrival visas for citizens of both the countries.
The Karachi event was also addressed by Sri Lankan Consul General Jagath Abeywarna, CEO of Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Thisum Jayasuria, Country Manager Sri Lankan Airlines Saman Ratnayake, Manager Marketing SLCB Ms. Malkanthi Welikala, and representatives of the Sindh government. A fabulous performance by a Sri Lankan Dance Troupe enthralled the guests.