Gwadar - the Emerging Port City of Pakistan

The key highlight of the famous China-Pakistan Economic Corridor mega project, which is a part of China’s One Belt, One Road project, is the city of Gwadar. As part of this project, the city will be developed to serve as a warm water, deep sea port, whereby consignments from and to the country will be sent via sea route.

The reason behind why Gwadar is at the forefront of the ongoing CPEC project is pretty simple. Gwadar is renowned for its warm water sea, which is open throughout the year for trade. This means that various countries including the landlocked Central Asian states can transport goods throughout the year by using the Gwadar port. By acting as a transit point, the port of Gwadar can add immensely to the national exchequer.

Keeping in mind the benefits that the Gwadar city promises to provide, both to locals and foreigners, Jovago Pakistan brings you an exclusive article on the emerging port city of Pakistan.

●     Location

On the Southwestern coast of Balochistan lies the city of Gwadar. Situated at a distance of approximately 700 kilometers from the largest metropolitan city of Pakistan, Gwadar is strategically located at a cross junction of international sea shipping and oil trade routes.

●     Description

Gets its name from the Balochi language and meaning the gateway of wind", Gwadar is famous for its warm water, deep sea port. It was originally part of Oman but was later on purchased by the Pakistani government in 1958. Apart from its strategic importance to Pakistan, Gwadar attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world towards itself due to the enthralling views that it provides of the crystal clear water of the Arabian sea.

●     Major tourist attractions

➔     Ormara

Considered to be the midpoint of Karachi and Gwadar, Ormara is under the control of the Pakistan navy. It is basically a town in the Gawadar city and it attracts a large number of tourists who are enamored by watching the naval forces at work.

➔     Buzzi Pass

Considered to be the best part of the Makran Coastal Highway for the motorcycle riders due to its sharp turns, the Buzzi Pass overlooks the Hingol national park and natural carvings. Famous for its scenic views, Buzzi pass leaves its visitors enchanted with its sheer beauty.

We hope that the ongoing developmental projects will help turn around the kismat of this Southwestern city of Pakistan and that it contributes significantly to the country’s economy. Don’t forget to share your views on what you think of this emerging port city of Pakistan in the comments section below.

4 Breathtaking Valleys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan is known for its exquisite beauty. It is home to mighty mountains ranges, massive pieces of ice called glaciers, never ending river streams and out of the world scenic views. The sheer beauty of the region enthralls millions of people to set on a journey to explore various tourist destinations that the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa possesses.

                 

In order to educate tourists about the pulchritude that the KPK province beholds, Jovago Pakistan brings you an article on the four breathtaking valleys that are located in the Northwestern region of the country.

1.    Kalash Valley

One of the major attractions of the district of Chitral is the Kalash valley which is known for its picturesque views and its traditional people. Considered to be one of the oldest tribes of South Asia., the pagans of Kalash are renowned for their unique culture, religion, language, festivals and way of living. Amongst the various festivals that are celebrated by Kalash throughout the year, Chilam Joshi is one of them which is celebrated in the month of May to thank the gods for their bounties.

      2.  Kalam Valley

The Kalam valley is a perfect depiction of what tourists call the nature at its best as it is a beautiful amalgamation of lush green hills, thick forests and mesmerizing lakes and waterfalls. The famous Swat river finds its origin in this valley only. A large number of tourists visit the valley to explore the strawberry plantations which add the red color in the widely spread forests which are in red and green color.

       3.  Swat Valley

Considered to be the local Switzerland of Pakistan, Swat valley is the gateway to South Asia, Central Asia and China. The valley is not only home to the Swat river, which is famous blue-green color, but also to various Buddhists monasteries and stupas. Surrounded by the high mountains of the North, Swat valley attract a large number of inbound tourists due to its scenic views, mouth-watering fruits and of course trout!

       4.  Kaghan Valley

Situated in the Mansehra district of the KPK province, the Kaghan valley is approximately 160 kilometers in length. Named after the town of Kaghan, the valley’s highest mountain peak is the Babusar pass. The Kaghan valley is often referred to as the virtual paradise because of its picturesque views.

If you are planning to visit the northern areas then you can book hotels in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa online through Jovago Pakistan.

4 Most Visited Shrines in Pakistan

One of the key areas of tourism is religious tourism which has experienced substantial growth in Pakistan over the years. The reason behind the increment in religious tourists, belonging to various faiths, visiting the country is to perform pilgrimage of their respective Holy places.

In religious tourism, there are a number of branches including Sufism. As the main religion in the country is Islam, the influence that Sufism has in Pakistan is very prominent. When we turn towards history, we can see that Sufis played a crucial role in the spread of Islam in the sub-continent.

                  

Their role in spreading Islam has attracted a large number of devotees towards themselves who visit the shrines of these Sufis in search of spiritual healing or for getting wishes and prayers fulfilled.

Seeing the eminent influence that these Sufis have had on the lives of thousands of people, Jovago Pakistan brings you a list of 4 most visited shrines in Pakistan.

1.    Shrine of Sachal Sarmast, Khairpur

One of the two main disciples of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, Sachal Sarmast is laid to rest in the city of Khairpur. Although his actual name was Abdul Wahab, he is popularly known as Sachal Sarmast which literally means 'truthful mystic'. Through his poetry, which is written in seven different languages including Sindhi, Seraiki and Persian, he spread the message of divine love which embodied the principles of mysticism. As a result, he was given the titles of Haft-i-Zuban Shair (the writer of seven languages) and Sartaj-us-Shuara by his devotees.

2.    Shrine of Abdullah Shah Ghazi, Karachi

Believed to be protecting the largest metropolitan city of Pakistan from cyclones and other natural disasters, the shrine of Abdullah Shah Ghazi is one of the most visited shrines in the country. Every year, millions of devotees pay homage to the saint and get their wishes fulfilled. A huge gala, spanning over three days, is held at his shrine in the month of December to commemorate Abdullah Shah Ghazi’s anniversary.

3.    Shrine of Dataa Ganj Bakhsh, Lahore

Considered to be one of the oldest shrines in the South Asian region, the mausoleum of Data Ganj Bakhsh is situated in the city of Lahore near the Bhati gate. Although the saint was christened with the name of Abul Hassan Ali Hajvery, he was given the title of Dataa because of his benevolent nature. The white marble mausoleum of Data Ganj Bakhsh was originally constructed by  Sultan Zakiruddin Ibrahim of Ghaznavi.

4.    Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, Sehwan Sharif

Known to be one of the two and a half qalandars on Earth, Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s original name was Syed Muhammad Usman Marwandi. He was a 12th century Sufi who was instructed to settle in the Indian subcontinent to spread the word of God. Whilst visiting the shrine, attending the dhamaal, which is a type of music played by beating giant drums, at maghrib is a must.

If you have information on any other shrine in Pakistan that attracts a large number of devotees towards itself, then do share it with us in the comment section below.

5 Drinks That Are a Must While Traveling This Summer

Whilst traveling itself is an eye opening and mind freshening experience, it can get hampered due to the changing weather conditions. Be it the blistering summer heat or the cold freezing winters, traveling can become difficult if certain measures to cope with the weather condition are not taken.

In order to help you make the most out of your trip, even if it is during the ongoing heat wave that seems to have enveloped the country, Jovago Pakistan brings to you an article on 5 summer drinks that you should drink in order to travel during the summer season.

1.    Mint Lemonade

Although the typical lemonade remains a favorite among Pakistanis, the modern day lemonade comes with a twist. By adding mint to your lemon drink, you can revitalize your life by getting a burst of the minty freshness. By drinking the mint lemonade, you can keep your body cool even in the rising temperatures.

      2.   Sardai

One of the main offerings of the Punjabi culture, Sardai is made from almonds which are left to be soaked in the water overnight. The almonds are blended with milk along with sugar and cardamom to create a fine paste. The drink is served with a garnishing of pistachios. Drink sardai in the summer season to maintain your body temperature.

     3.  Sattu

An essential part of the summer cuisine of the city of Lahore, which is considered to be the heart of Pakistan, Sattu is a created by mixing barley seeds, sugar and water together. Although in the summer season street vendors are busy selling Sattu, the drink can also be easily made at home.

    4.  Faalsa Juice

Mainly grown in the Asian region, the faalsa are also grown in abundance in Pakistan. The sweet yet tangy flavor of the small berries is simply to die for. Moreover, these berries are extremely helpful in cooling your body during the excruciating summer heat. Blend faasla with ice, water, sugar and kala namak to create a cuppa of deliciousness.

     5.  Sugar Cane Juice

Whilst traveling across Pakistan, you will find the street vendors busy in making this refreshing juice. One of the major crops in Pakistan, sugarcane is not only used in making white sugar but also to make the delicious drink which is commonly known as Rooh. Considered to be the national drink of Pakistan, sugarcane juice is extremely beneficial for eyes, kidneys, brain and heart. It

If you have information on any other drink that can help in keeping the human body cool even under the glaring sun, then do share it with us in the comments section below.

5 Destinations in Pakistan That Will Help You Beat the Summer Heat

Are you someone who is not a fan of the summer season but have to avail the vacation period, that your company gave you, by traveling under the glaring sun? Do you want to escape the high temperatures that will set you on a journey of unlimited sweating and itchiness?

If your reply is in the affirmative then fret no more. This is because this article by Jovago Pakistan brings you a list of 5 places in Pakistan that can help you in escaping the heat during the summer season.

1)    Sajikot waterfall

If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city life, then a trip to this waterfall is a must. This is because the Sajikot Waterfall is one of the most beautiful gifts of Mother Nature. The waterfall, which is located in the city of Abbottabad, not only offers travels a perfect escape from the summer heat but it also offers a calm and peaceful environment. With its unique three step waterfall, Sajikot waterfall offers a perfect sanctuary for those who want to escape the high temperatures.

      2)  Rawalakot Valley

The valley which is in the shape of a saucer is the district headquarter of the Pounch district. Due to its enthralling beauty, the Rawalakot Valley is known as the Pearl valley. During the summer season, the valley is brimming with green grass and beautiful flowers.

      3)  Neelwan Valley

At a distance of about 15 kilometers from the Kalar Kahar district in Punjab lies the stunning valley of Neelwan. Located within a short distance from Lahore and Islamabad, this destination is the perfect spot for those who are looking forward to a short trip. The valley is home to a number of historical monuments including Takht e Babri and Bagh e Safa garden. Moreover, Neelwan valley is also home to three ponds which have sparkling blue water.

      4)  Hunza Valley

Situated in Gilgit, the mountainous valley of Hunza is famous for its beauty and the hospitality of its residents. With the highest literacy rate in the country, the valley offers enchanting views to its visitors. Situated at the North/West side of the Hunza river, Hunza valley is often referred to as heaven on Earth because of the mountain peaks which surrounds it.

      5)  Swat Valley

Popularly known as the Switzerland of the country, the Swat valley is famous for its scenic views, mouth-watering fruits and of course trout! Surrounded by the high mountains of the North, the valley is located in the middle of foothills of Hindukush mountain range. The valley serves as the perfect sanctuary for those who want to escape the blistering heat.

If you have information on any destination in Pakistan that can help in avoiding the summer heat, then do share it with us in the comments section below.

3 Places to Visit in Pakistan in the month of May

The month of May marks the official beginning of the summer season in Pakistan. It is under the glaring sun that the summer crops including maize, millet, and cotton are grown. It is also the time when people from various parts of Pakistan make travel plans to avail their summer vacations in the best possible manner.

If you are planning to travel to Pakistan in the month of May, then read along to get to know the 3 places in Pakistan, which Jovago Pakistan recommends, to visit and to explore in the month of May in order to get enthralled by the offerings of the summer season.

1.    Leepa valley

One of the most spectacular wonders that Azad Kashmir region offers to its visitors, the Leepa valley is a must visit in the summer season. This is because, during the summer season the lush green rice fields and the delicious walnut, apple, cherry and honey along with a variety of scenic spectacular beauty spell bounds the visitors who are exploring the valley.

      2.  Chitral

On the foothills of the famous Hindu Kush mountain range, lies the beautiful valley of Chitral which is the largest district in the KPK province. Famous for its traditions, the valley is home to various tribes including the Kalash who are known for their backward lifestyle. Whilst exploring the area, do make sure you attend the Chilam Joshi festival which is held in the middle of May every year to get a glimpse of the traditional yet colorful culture of the Kalash people.

      3. Skardu

If one were asked to describe this place then it would be an embodiment of nature’s perfection. Located in the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu is home to some of the highest mountains in the world including K2 and Gasherbrum. Skardu enthralls its visitors with its diverse offerings which include mighty mountain peaks, rich, lush green pasturelands, sparkling river water and even a cold desert.

What are the places in Pakistan which you are planning to explore this May in order to enjoy the offerings of the summer season? Do share them with us in the comments section below.

FINCA SHED LIGHT ON FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN A CONFERENCE

Lahore, 14th April 2017: FINCA Microfinance Bank Ltd. (FMBL) has recently participated in ‘Digital Banking and Mobile Payment Summit 2017’ held in Movenpick Hotel Karachi. The summit was organized by TerraBiz in collaboration with PwC Pakistan as the Knowledge Partner.

CEO of FINCA Microfinance Bank Ltd. (FMBL), Mr. Mudassar Aqil participated as panelist in CEO Panel Discussion - INGRAINING DIGITAL IN ORGANIZATIONAL DNA, and discussed how banking industry can target previously unbanked and financially excluded segments with the help of technology. He mentioned that telecom and Smartphone pervasiveness in the country provides a digital opportunity and that is a great equalizer. He also shed light on FINCA’s Initiative for financial inclusion through SIMSIM – a mobile wallet, in pilot phase, powered by FINJA (FinTech).

The event was also attended by CEOs, C-level executives from Banks, Telcos, Regulators and Fintechs from across Pakistan and abroad.

FINCA Microfinance Bank Ltd (FMBL) is a fully licensed and regulated financial institution operating under the State Bank of Pakistan’s guidelines established for microfinance banks. We provide both savings and credit products, with a special focus on low-income entrepreneurs and savers. FINCA operates a network of 105 branches in 94 cities across Pakistan. Our unmatched financial and superior customer services have earned FINCA the satisfaction of millions of customer worldwide. FINCA is a globally trusted name you can trust.

About FINCA :

FINCA Microfinance Bank Ltd (FMBL), part of a global FINCA network, is a forward looking bank that operates in 94 cities across Pakistan. We provide state-of-the-art deposit and payment solutions including micro-credit facilities aimed at improving livelihoods in the country. For the last 30 years, we have been helping people reshape their lives through our modern and innovative banking in 21 countries around the globe. Our unmatched financial and superior customer services have earned FINCA the satisfaction of millions of customers worldwide. FINCA is a name you can trust.

ACCA President Brian McEnery talks about the importance of governance

Lahore, 18^th April 2017: ACCA President, Brian McEnery hosted an event at Serena Islamabad for the Auditor General of Pakistan, World Bank and the provincial governments to demonstrate its commitment to enhance transparency, accountability, reporting and capacity building in the public sector of Pakistan. ACCA also recognized the outgoing Auditor General, Rana Assad Amin for his efforts in improving accountability by auditing and reporting on the country’s operations.

Present at the ceremony was Brian McEnery, President of ACCA, Sajjeed Aslam, Head of ACCA Pakistan, Arif Masud Mirza, Regional Head of Policy MENASA and Haroon A Jan, Regional Head of Member Affairs MENASA. Representatives from Auditor General Pakistan included Imran Iqbal, Additional Auditor General of Pakistan, Dr. Talat Imtiaz, Deputy Auditor General – Policy, Rana Obaid Ur Rehman, Director - Special Sector Audit Local, Dalila Shakil, Director IRV&MT Local. Representatives from the World Bank included Syed Waseem Abbas Kazmi, Financial Management Specialist, Akram El-Shorbagi, Senior FM Specialist, Akmal Minallah, Senior FM Specialist, Qurat ul Ain Hadi, FM Specialist and Abdul Muneem Khattak, Financial Management Specialist, GPP FATA.  

ACCA’s commitment to delivering public value has been long standing. Arif Mirza – Regional Head of Policy MENASA highlighted ACCA's public sector initiatives to cognize the audience of the work that has been undertaken for the capacity building of the public sector workforce.

ACCA’s president, Brian McEnery deliberated on corporate governance and the importance of making sure that companies do the right thing for their various stakeholders: from investors, to those affected by their products or actions, to employees. He also pointed out that ‘corporate governance’ is an area where there are still huge variations in requirements, and critically in how they are applied. So it is important to understand the detail of what is really happening in order to understand where progress is needed in Pakistan when we are addressing corporate governance. Furthermore he added, “Essentially, ACCA has a role to play in training our future leaders in the basics of corporate governance. We cover not just technical training, but also equip our students and members with a broader set of skills which enables them to make ethical decisions and follow the tenets of good corporate governance.”

The ceremony concluded with remarks by Imran Iqbal – Additional Auditor General of Pakistan commented that on behalf of the office of the Auditor General of Pakistan, I offer the highest level of commitment to ACCA for all ongoing initiatives. He also stressed that as public sector employees they need to develop, maintain and embrace a strong ethical compass. He added that it is becoming increasingly expected that businesses should actively look to recruit and develop staff, especially senior executives, directors and financial staff, who have an exemplary ethical compass.

Tips to Ensure Smooth Travel for Business Purposes

While traveling itself can be an eye-opening experience, it can get hectic if one is traveling for business purposes. This is because the business trip usually revolves around falling asleep on planes and traveling back and forth for meetings which can result in disturbing one’s routine and making them grumpy.

If you are someone who has to face these issues while traveling for business purposes, then this article by Jovago Pakistan will help you out as it provides tips to smoothen your travel.

●     Carry limited luggage

If you are traveling for a short trip, then carrying several bags would rather be inconvenient and give you stress in case any of your luggage gets lost or if you get late for a meeting. To avoid this, it is better if you carry your stuff in a carry-on bag as this will help you to save time. Moreover, you won't have to worry about waiting in a line when you land to collect your belongings as you only have a carry-on.

●     Dress smartly

Dressing up smartly will help you in getting much better services because let’s face this: the first impression is the last impression. Wearing an outfit that can pass on as a formal one on a flight can help you in case your baggage is lost or if you are running late.

●     Keep a tennis ball

If you are thinking that by making you carry a tennis ball we are urging you to play tennis with your business partners, you are wrong. A tennis ball can come in handy when your muscles get stiff/sore. Small in size, a tennis ball can help you to relax as you can use it for rolling under your feet.

●     Use smartphone applications

Use your technology friend to help you out for your business purposes. By downloading apps that cater to different business needs, you can smoothen your travel. For instance, by downloading Jovago’s smartphone application, you can easily book hotels, from an inventory of more than 2000 hotels, through a customized search engine that too at a discounted rates.

●     Cure jet lag

Traveling to different time zones can cause jet lag. Therefore, you need to figure out what are your body requirements in order to avoid jet lag. By taking flights at night, you can sleep overnight and stay hydrated.

If you have any other tips through which you smoothen out your business trip, then do share it with us in the comments section below.

Reasons as to How Hotel Industry Is Changing in Pakistan

It is often heard that change is inevitable. When one looks at the different facets of history, they find that civilizations who did not accept change were swept away by the developments taking place around them. This is one reason why organizations in the modern era are trying to devise different strategies through which they can incorporate change.

The reason behind why organizations are so persistent about adapting to change is because they want to move forward. Among the various industries of the world which are trying to cope with change, the hotel industry is one industry which is getting transformed.

As the hotel industry is a service industry, where the quality of experience is one of the dominant factors, it is important that it adapts to the various developments taking place. If you are fascinated by the changes that are being incorporated in the hotel industry, then this article by Jovago Pakistan will further satiate your quest for a different yet better experience.

The best hotel booking website believes that the following are the reasons because of which the hotel industry is changing:

     1) Growing population

Currently, Pakistan’s population stands at 196 million. This figure is projected to rapidly increase in the coming years. A major chunk of this population comprises of youth who are more prone to accepting change. As the customer base of the hotel industry widens, with more youth traveling to explore the beauty that Pakistan offers, the hotel industry has started offering services which will suit the modern tastes of the youth.

      2)   Increase in internet penetration

With various telecommunication companies offering 3G and 4G service, more people are able to have access to the internet which helps them to stay connected with the world. The response from the Pakistani people has been so phenomenal that 5G services will be launched soon in the country. As more people are able to access the internet, hotel businesses have started offering services online. This includes the introduction of smartphone apps to increase convenience for the hotel’s customers.

     3)  Rising E-commerce industry

The concept of businesses availing the online platform, provided by the internet, has enabled them to increase their target audience. As the benefits of going online are far greater than the cost involved, a lot of startups have been launched in the country over the past few years. The hotel industry has also had its fair share of startups including Jovago Pakistan, which is offering customers the ease of booking a hotel online. People no longer have to wander about the desired destination in search of a hotel. By just clicking on the website and using the customized search engine, people are now able to book their hotel rooms prior to traveling- a convenience which was not offered earlier.

If you have information on any other reason because of which the hotel industry is changing in Pakistan, then do share it with us in the comments section below.

4 Buddhist Monasteries in Pakistan That Are a Must Visit

One of the facets of culture is religion as it depicts a beautiful side of the society. When one talks about Pakistan’s rich culture, they get to know that the country is home to people belonging to different faiths.

One of the religions practiced in the country is Buddhism whose origin can be traced back to several thousand years. At various times, the religion had been a strong force whose impact can still be seen in the rich heritage of the country. This includes the famous Gandhara civilization which gave birth to Gandhara art- an important turn in the cultural history of Pakistan.

Keeping in mind the contributions that Buddhism has made to the Pakistani society, Jovago Pakistan brings to you an article on the 4 Buddhist monasteries in Pakistan that are a must visit.

1) Takht-i-Bhai

Dating back to 1st century AD, Takht-i-Bhai is one of the most beautiful Buddhist monasteries in the Gandhara district. When Takht-i-Bhai is translated into English it means Throne of Origins. Situated at a height of 500 feet, Takht-i-Bhai is one of the nine wonders in Pakistan that are listed on the World Heritage List.

2) Giri Fort

Built in the 5th century by the Buddhist monks, this fort is located at a distance of 8 km from Taxila, at the foot of the Margalla hills. The Giri fort is situated on a hilltop and has spring water falling within it. The remains of two monasteries and stupas can be found at this fort.

3) Lotus throne

As the beautiful valley of Swat was one of the main centers of Buddhism, several monasteries, and other sites were found here.  It is also home to a statue of Buddha who is sitting on a throne made out of lotus flower. Swat is also home to the famous Gandhara School of Sculpture which is considered to be an expression of Graeco-Roman form in the local Buddhist tradition.

4) DharmaRajika Stupa

The city of Taxila is considered to be the main center of the Gandhara civilization, which depicts an important facet of Buddhism. Commonly known as the Chir Tope, the Dharmarajika stupa is in a circular shape and is surrounded by a number of small chapels. The circular structure is surrounded by a raised terrace. There are several statues of the Buddha at this site.

If you have information on any other Buddhist monastery in Pakistan, then do share it with us in the comment section below.

State of Pakistan’s Travel and Hospitality Industry in the Past Year

As the law and order situation in the country improves and the ongoing threat of terrorism reduces, it can be said that Pakistan is on its road to development. This is because of a number of reasons which include the growing culture of startups in the country and the huge influx of tourists that are coming to explore the beauty of Pakistan.

As facts and figures are an integral part of proving anything, Jovago Pakistan brings you an article on the state of Pakistan’s travel and hospitality industry in the past year. Read along so that the next time someone asks you what Pakistan has to offer, you can confidently tell them, by backing with facts, that it is a beautiful country which has a lot to offer, in terms of sheer beauty, rich culture and heritage.

• Real GDP growth

Despite the slowdown in the global economy due to a number of reasons, Pakistan’s GDP growth reached 4.7% with respect to inflation in 2016. Several factors including the following contributed to uplifting this South Asian economy.

• Supportive economic policies including low-interest rates and stable exchange rate which has increased confidence of investors.
• Macroeconomic stability because of the substantially lower inflation, increase in foreign exchange reserves due to rise in foreign direct investment.
• Better law and order situation because of the operation Zarb e Azab that the Pakistani army carried out in the Northern areas of the country.

• Upsurge in the influx of tourists

The Pakistani economy was able to generate approximately $1 billion in revenue because of the 1,040,000 international tourists who arrived in 2015. This tourist figure is projected to reach 1.7 million by the year 2025.  This will, in turn, help Pakistan to be the world’s fastest-growing Muslim economy ahead of Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey and Egypt by 2017.

• Improvement in employment rate

In the midst of an increase in tourism and better security conditions of the country, the number of people employed directly by the hospitality industry reached 1,429,500 in 2015. The employment rate is projected to increase by 2.1% per annum over the next 10 years.

• Increase in Investment

Due to the sheer beauty which Pakistan possesses, the investment which this particular sector received in the year 2015 was USD 3272 million which made up 9.3% of the total investment done in the country. Over the next ten years, this investment rate is forecasted to rise by 7.6% pa over the next ten years. Due to the ongoing CPEC mega project whose main highlight is the Gawadar city, a huge chunk of this investment is allocated to the construction of ten hotels in this city which can in turn boost tourism in the area.

Festivals in Pakistan That Are a Must Visit to Welcome the Spring Seasons

Pakistan is famous for not only its scenic beauty but also for its rich culture and heritage. A large number of tourists who visit this South Asian country are attracted to the traditions and the hospitable nature of Pakistanis.

One of the facets of Pakistani culture that attracts people towards the country are the festivals that are celebrated and cherished for different reasons. While some festivals are celebrated for religious reasons such as Eid-ul-Fitr, others are observed to welcome the four different seasons that Mother Nature has blessed the country with.

To help people know about these festivals so that they can visit these in order to get a closer and deeper look at the country, Jovago Pakistan brings you an article on the festivals in Pakistan that are celebrated to welcome the spring season.

• Navroz Festival

Celebrated by the Ismaili and Parsi communities, the Navroz marks the beginning of the Shahenshahi calendar which is followed by the western neighbors of Pakistan. It also commemorates the beginning of the spring season. Associated with the concepts of rebirth and rejuvenation, the Navroz is observed as a gratitude for the countless blessings bestowed upon the people. An event for family bonding, it is filled with delicious, mouthwatering traditional dishes.

• Jashan e Shikarpur

Held in the months of February and March each year, this festival is one of the main highlights of the city of Shikarpur. Marked with traditional sports competition, handicraft exhibition, dances and folk music, the Jashan e Shikarpur is a mesmerizing way to get a taste of what the Sindhi culture is all about.

• Chilim Joshi Festival

One of the main highlights of the rich Kalashi culture, Chilim Joshi is also known by the name of Joshi and Chilim Jusht. It is a religious festival of the pagans of Kalash who welcome the spring season through it. Joshi is celebrated in May as a way to thank their gods for their countless blessings. The beautiful Kalashi girls, attired in their colorful embroidered dresses, perform the traditional dance of the area during this event to showcase their Northlander culture.

• Basant

If you are a fan of the colorful kites then this event is a must visit for you. Basant is celebrated over the various parts of the country, particularly in the city considered to be the heart of Pakistan. An event filled with a variety of dishes and musical concert, you will see the colorful kites of various shapes filling the sky.

All things you need to know about the upcoming Chilam Joshi Festival

An unspoiled paradise of lush green valleys, snowy peaks and glacial rivers, Chitral is the largest district in the province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The word Chitral means field when translated in the local language Khowar. Surrounded by the Chitral river, Chitral is made up of a number of valleys which attracts a large number of tourists towards itself because of its diverse yet rich culture.

One of the valleys that is a part of Chitral is the Kalash valley which is home to one of the oldest tribes of South Asia. The Kalash valley is well known throughout the world for its unique culture, religion, language, festivals and the way of living.

This is one reason because of which Kalash Valley is one of the most visited valleys in the Chitral district. One of the facets that attract people towards this mesmerizing valley are the festivals that are celebrated for various purposes. This includes the Chilam Joshi festival which is one of the main highlights of the local culture.

If you are someone who plans to visit Chitral anytime soon, then this article by Jovago Pakistan is a must read for you as it will serve as your complete guide for the Chilam Joshi festival.

Location

The Chilam Joshi festival is celebrated in the stunning valley of Kalash which is famous for its backward lifestyle. The Kalash valley is surrounded by the famous Karakoram range which is one of the highest ranges in the world. On the Northern and Western side of its border, lies Afghanistan and Central Asian states including Tajikistan.

Description

The festival is celebrated by the pagans of Kalash as part of their religious practices. Celebrated in the month of May, Chilam Joshi festival marks the start of the spring in the region. The Kalashi people celebrate it to thank their gods for the numerous blessings bestowed upon them during the year. The event serves as the perfect occasion to showcase the original way of the Kalashi people who still remain to live their lives according to their more than thousand-year-old traditional practices.

Popular names

The Chilam Joshi festival is also known by the names of Joshi and Chilim Jusht.

Main Highlights of the festival

• Attire

Famous for continuing their traditional way of life, the pagans of Kalash dress up for this festival. The women are dressed up in their black, floor length dresses which have colorful embroideries and the local headwear called Copesi which is made from colorful beads, stones and threads. One the other hand, men also wear their traditional dress and cap on this festival.

• Dance

To cherish the bounties that their various gods have blessed them with, the people of Kalash gather around on the Chilam Jusht festival, dressed in their thousand-year-old dress code and dance to the traditional, local songs. The Kalasha are famous for their dance which they perform in a group.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and set on an eye-opening journey to visit Chitral that will certainly leave you mesmerized. You can book hotel in Chitral though Jovago to make your trip much comfortable.