Islamabad (Zahid Yaqoob Khawaja): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) and Mövenpick Hotel Centaurus Islamabad to promote tourism opportunities for overseas Pakistanis and strengthen their connection with Pakistan.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Centaurus Group and Mövenpick Hotel Centaurus Islamabad, National Coordinator/Advisor to the Prime Minister on Tourism, said that the initiative aims to change the perception of overseas Pakistanis about their homeland by showcasing Pakistan’s modern infrastructure, hospitality, tourism destinations and investment opportunities.
“Sardar Yasir said the Chairman of OPF has been doing exceptional work since assuming office, and the organisation is playing the role of a bridge between overseas Pakistanis and Pakistan.”
He said many overseas Pakistanis, particularly from Mirpur, often question what they can do in Pakistan, adding that the objective is to convey the message that Pakistan has changed and now offers world-class facilities, brands, shopping malls, hotels and tourism experiences.
Underlining the potential of domestic tourism, Sardar Yasir said Pakistan offers diverse experiences ranging from adventure and religious tourism to medical and cultural tourism.
“We want overseas Pakistanis to visit Pakistan and experience destinations such as Khanpur, where we can provide helicopter services, while places like Mabali offer scuba diving and paragliding opportunities. We will take visitors to Swat and Fateh Jang, where they can enjoy tourism activities along with unique experiences such as hunting,” he added.
He said personalised one-month tourism plans would be developed for overseas Pakistanis and their families, offering experiences comparable to international destinations.
Sardar Yasir stressed that the initiative also focuses on encouraging overseas Pakistanis to invest in Pakistan by highlighting secure and attractive investment opportunities.
“We want overseas Pakistanis to invest in Pakistan and introduce Pakistani products as global brands in international markets,” he said.Highlighting Pakistan’s healthcare and hospitality sectors, he said medical facilities in Pakistan are available at significantly lower costs compared to many countries, while institutions such as Shifa International Hospitals and other leading healthcare providers offer advanced services, including home-based facilities.
He said Pakistan provides excellent hospitality options, with high-quality hotels available at affordable rates, adding that the country’s five- and seven-star hospitality sector competes with international standards.
“Sardar Yasir said Pakistan has everything from beaches and mountains to the unmatched beauty of the northern areas. The aim is to encourage overseas Pakistanis to choose Pakistan over foreign destinations for vacations, weddings and events, which would help improve the country’s global image through tourism.”
Addressing the ceremony, Syed Qamar Raza Shah, Chairman Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, appreciated Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan’s vision and said his selection for promoting tourism was an excellent decision.
He said Sardar Yasir’s efforts to attract overseas Pakistanis towards Pakistan were exemplary and aligned with OPF’s objective of providing better facilities and strengthening the bond between overseas Pakistanis and their homeland.“We are planting a tree today whose roots will be extremely strong. When an overseas Pakistani organises an event such as a wedding in Pakistan, hundreds of people benefit as guests and families return to their homeland,” he said.
Syed Qamar Raza Shah said overseas Pakistanis have always played a vital role in Pakistan’s economy through remittances, welfare initiatives and investments.
Referring to Pakistan’s resilience, he said the nation has overcome major challenges through unity and determination, adding that Pakistan’s leadership and institutions successfully defended the country against external aggression.“Overseas Pakistanis send billions of dollars to Pakistan every year, and if these resources are channelled through proper means and invested effectively, they can play a transformative role in the country’s economic development,” he said.
He added that overseas Pakistanis have the potential to significantly contribute towards Pakistan’s economic progress and reduce dependence on external financial support.
The MoU between Mövenpick Hotel Centaurus Islamabad and OPF aims to introduce customised tourism packages covering adventure tourism, religious tourism, medical tourism, cultural tourism and other experiences specifically designed for the Pakistani diaspora.