ISLAMABAD: Managing Director of Green Tourism Lt Gen (r) Sardar Hassan Azhar Hayat said Pakistan holds significant potential for attracting Buddhist tourists, noting that if even 1.0 per cent could be drawn to the country, it would create major economic opportunities.
The Green Tourism initiative is a project launched by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), jointly run by the military and civilian leadership. For the first time, community representatives and residents, working with the Directorate General of Archaeology, Government of Punjab, and SRO Taxila, organised the Taxila Heritage Trail Walk, hosted by the Gandhara Resource Centre Pakistan (GRCP), Gandhara Taxila Centre for Development (GTCD) and Taxila Baithak under the Gandhara Odyssey initiative.
The walk was attended by Lt Gen (r) Sardar Hassan Azhar Hayat. Representatives of Gandhara Odyssey, GRCP, GTCD and Taxila Baithak led the delegation, while Maalik Ali Ushtar and Tahir Salman briefed participants on the trail’s objectives, significance and historical value.
The MD Green Tourism said the trail walk arranged by the local community was a welcome initiative and a step towards exploring the full potential of these heritage sites. He said such efforts required the active involvement of local residents, adding that the Punjab government had earmarked Rs4 billion for constructing a walking trail under the Heritage City Plan.
The walk began at Dharmarajika and passed through Kunala Stupa, Bohar Ban and Gandhara Art Village, concluding at Mohra Muradoo Monastery. The 9.5 km trail covered key archaeological landmarks and drew a diverse group of participants, including students, children, media personnel and community members.
