By our correspondent 


Islamabad: Prime Minister's Adviser and Special Assistant on Tourism, Sardar Yasir Ilyas on Tuesday has said that Pakistan is committed to changing its global image and promoting the country as a tourism destination. He noted that the Punjab Government is undertaking significant initiatives to boost tourism.

While addressing an event organized by the  Ethiopian Embassy, Islamabad to showcase Ethiopia's tourist attractions and cultural heritage, Sardar Yasir Ilyas announced that Pakistani content creators will soon visit Ethiopia. He also revealed that Ethiopian and other African influencers will be invited to Pakistan on fully sponsored tourism packages, with all travel and hospitality expenses covered by Pakistan.

He further stated that Ethiopian Airlines has successfully bridged the air connectivity gap between Pakistan and Africa. He added that a large-scale event promoting interfaith harmony will be held next month and emphasized that tourism should be used as a catalyst for expanding trade and strengthening economic ties.

Speaking at the event, Ethiopian Ambassador Dr. Omar Hussein Oba said that Pakistan and Ethiopia enjoy longstanding historical relations. He described Ethiopia as the "Land of Origins" and one of Africa's fastest-growing tourism destinations. He also noted that Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, is the third-largest diplomatic hub in Africa.

Earlier, Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa) at Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, informed participants that Ethiopian Airlines is currently the only airline operating direct flights between Pakistan and destinations across Africa. He highlighted that Ethiopia offers not only natural and cultural attractions but also rich historical and religious tourism opportunities. He added that Addis Ababa is widely known as the "City of Lights."

The event concluded with guests participating in a ceremonial cake-cutting featuring a traditional Ethiopian cake.