Tourism disappointment

E-Paper | June 13, 2026

EVERY time I watch a television ad chanting the tagline ‘Malaysia truly Asia’ or ‘Incredible India’, I always think as to why is it that our government does not work on marketing Pakistan as a brand that offers a truly amazing tourist experience!

Luckily the people at the Tourism Corporation of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa have read my thoughts and although they have not gone allout with an extravagant television commercial, they did manage to post an ad online.

I came across an advertisement promoting tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and I immediately thought to myself: “At last, some intelligent bureaucrat has come up with the brilliant idea of developing Pakistan as a reputable brand entity”.

My first reflex was to click on the advertisement, hoping to land myself on a beautifully-designed website, with breathtaking images of valleys, sprinkling streams and snow-capped mountains, and a list of travel agencies and tour guides that could materialise a trip to the hidden heavens of Pakistan.

But to my dismay, my click landed me on a page that read in bold font: “This account has been suspended.”

It saddens me to say this, but only a Pakistani government official with no marketing know-how can pay to advertise a product that is not even ready!

RIZWAN NUSRAT Islamabad

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Newspaper

KE monopoly has to come to an end

Private invigilators

Tragic disparity

Agha Ata (USA)

Feb 04, 2013 02:32pm

There is hardly any Muslim country left with a good tourism record, except, of course Egypt for the obvious reasons. Tourists from other countries need good restaurants and streets where people do not stare at them (especially at women), they also need security of their life, and bars (not just alcohol), of course, Tourism, as a source of income, would always be limited in Muslim countries. Let?s accept this fact.

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G.A.

Feb 04, 2013 12:50pm

Pakistani tourism is better off without these inept officials using their 'creative genius' to advertise.

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Amir Ali

Feb 04, 2013 01:07pm

Tourism in Pakistan is a history now. Its time to save the educated and knowledgeable youngsters from leaving Pakistan for a safe life in other countries.

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Sabahat

Feb 05, 2013 05:01am

Having read Mr. Rizwan's article, It really starts your thought process started. My point exactly!! Pakistan was one of the best tourist attractions a couple of years ago..mind that ..in those years Malaysia was not truly Asia..and Incredible India did not even exist! It is heart breaking to see our country's Tourism take such a bad plunge..along with other important industries!! The real question is ..Will the Pakistani govt do anything about it??? I highly doubt it..but unfortunately the masses are not even aware and will vote to bring the same corrupt govt back into power!!. Think now..it"s still not too late!! Sabahat (Doha)

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excalibur

Feb 05, 2013 07:08am

Better to put our house in order before dreaming about tourists risking their lives and limbs in our country especally in Khyber Khamkhwah

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