Islamabad: Pakistan – the very name brings to mind scenes of chaos, corruption, terrorism, load shedding and protests on the streets. But amidst all this confusion, this country has a secret which will make you fall in love with it.
Pakistan is home to some of the most stunning secret places in the world that are lesser known to tourists. The country offers spectacular sights and splendid scenes with enchanting landscapes.
These secret sights and famous generosity of Pakistanis is being revived by a young Pakistani college student, Altaf Ahmed, who hails from the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan known as the epitome of beauty and serenity.
Growing up in the beautiful Konodas in Gilgit, Altaf Ahmed values the nature more than anything else. But it is disturbing for him to see that the peaceful environment of his hometown is not accurately portrayed in the media.
When Ahmed came across harsh comments of foreigners on social media, he wasn’t repulsed. “It made me sad to see people labelling Pakistan as a terrorist state. So, I contacted them to clarify their misconceptions about Pakistan” Ahmed told Gulf News.
Not everyone responded positively but Ahmed was somehow able to convince some foreigners to visit Pakistan. “I made some good foreign friends on social media and invited them to visit Pakistan.” Impressed by Ahmed’s friendly attitude and grand gesture of hosting people at his home in Gilgit city, a lady from United Kingdom (UK) finally decided to visit Pakistan.
“I received her at the Islamabad Airport since she was reluctant to travel on her own to the northern areas. I hosted her at my home as she couldn’t afford a lavish stay. Later, I accompanied her to visit the scenic valleys of Gilgit, Hunza, Ghizer, Fairy Meadows, Gojal, Sost, Khunjerab Pass and Nagar. She simply fell in love with Pakistan and stayed for a month” Ahmed beamed.
After hosting the first tourist, Ahmed made it his personal goal to introduce the beautiful side of Pakistan to the world. He took to Facebook to share photos of the magical Northern Pakistan – the land of mountains, valleys, glaciers, rivers, wildlife, forests. The tourist attractions, unique culture and traditions of Gilgit-Baltistan combined with cheap travel costs, is what motivates young foreigners to visit Pakistan.
But it was no easy task for Ahmed. “At first they don’t believe you; some even mock you or become furious. But I continued my work with sincerity to transform their fear into friendships” Ahmed said.
To show his love and generosity, Ahmed offers free hosting and lodging for foreign tourists at his home. He also provides free of cost transportation and guided tour of Northern Pakistan to the guests.
Stunned by Pakistan’s hospitality and natural beauty, the tourists return to their home countries with a whole new positive perception about Pakistan. Back at home, they share the message of peace with world that “Pakistan is not a terrorist state. Pakistan is full of love, peace, beauty and our people are very hospitable and loving” Ahmed asserted. His affability has compelled many tourists to send their friends to Pakistan too.
The 21-year-old Ahmed is now on a solo mission to boost tourism by inviting people from all over the world to Pakistan. Since 2015, he has welcomed tourists from Australia, China, Japan, Germany, Poland, UAE and UK.
Sharing his most memorable experience, he recollected says, “I can’t forget the time when this tourist lady cried tears of joy overwhelmed with the splendour of northern valleys of Pakistan. She told me that the friendly people and incredible places have changed Pakistan’s perception for her forever.”
Ahmed says he is currently in touch with people from USA, Switzerland, Australia and Philippines whom he hopes to host soon.
Pakistan’s official organizations have yet failed to recognize his one-man efforts. However, he is offering hosting, lodging and tour services free of charge to tourists purely out of passion for Pakistan.
It is true that most foreigners do have Pakistan-phobia. Ahmed also came across such people on social media who think “there is a war going in Pakistan and there are only terrorists in here.” This is the mindset that Altaf Ahmed wants to change.
“Pakistan is not just about politics, killings, or terrorism. There is so much more to Pakistan than what is portrayed on western media. There are so many mesmeric cultural and tourist spots that foreigners and even some locals haven’t heard about. This is the Pakistan that I want to show to the world.”
This passionate Pakistani boy has this message for the world: “Love for all. Hatred for none.”
