ISLAMABAD, Dec 12: Minister for Tourism Nilofar Bakhtiar Tuesday said the government had offered the first ever unique package for school-going children to amuse them with the fascinating tourist sites of the country during the summer vacations.

“We are writing to the heads of educational institutions, asking them to arrange visits of their students to these fabulous locations and enjoy the facilities provided there by the tourism ministry,” the minister remarked.

Nilofar said the step was part of her ministry’s efforts to promote tourism - the second biggest revenue generation industry after manufacturing in the world.

Pakistan is one of the gifted countries blessed with immense potential in tourism sector having five out of nine mountain peaks above 8,000 metres (K-2, Nanga Parbat, G-I &II and Broad Peak) lush green plans, gushing rivers, serene valleys, vast deserts, ancient forts and remains of Indus and Gandhara civilisations etc.

The government has declared year 2007 as “Visit Pakistan Year” with its grand opening ceremony being held on December 15 to fully market these treasures of the country at home and abroad.— APP