We are proud to be Pakistani : MNA Hamza Shahbaz

Lahore: Member National Assembly Hamza Shahbaz has said that soft image of Pakistan will be highlighted throughout the world. He said that we are proud to be Pakistani and expressed the hope that a peaceful Pakistan will be transferred to new generation, the terrorists will be defeated and the country will be purged of menace of terrorism forever. He said that present government is utilizing all out resources for the promotion of tourism in the motherland.

He said that holding of first Mountain Film Festival from the platform of Punjab Tourism Development Corporation will help development of tourist spots and recognition of Pakistan at international level. He said that such steps play the role of a milestone in the progress of the country and also help in providing job opportunities.

Hamza Shahbaz while addressing the inaugural ceremony of first Mountain Film Festival at a local hotel under the aegis of PTDC said that an excellent mountain chain of the world is present in Pakistan and present government is taking maximum steps for the provision of infrastructure and facilities. He said that no doubt, the menace of terrorism has caused an irreparable loss to tourism in Pakistan during last two decades but present government has accorded top priority to overcome terrorist activities.

He said that the campaign with the collaboration of military agencies is yielding positive results and great Zarb-e-Azb operation is at the top of the list in which our army jawans have ensured safety of the country by sacrificing their lives and indirectly benefited tourism as a result of which the beauty of upper areas including Swat Valley has restored.

Hamza Shahbaz expressed the determination that due to successful
policies of the present government, Pakistan will achieve a prominent place in tourism sector at world level.

He appreciated the efforts of Punjab Tourism Development Corporation which has increased a new chapter in tourism sector by holding first Mountain Film Festival. He especially congratulated Vice Chairman TDCP Imran Ali Goraya, his team and appreciated performance of his team and formally inaugurated the film festival. Hamza Shahbaz distributed awards among Samina Baig and others.

Provincial Minister for Education & Tourism Rana Mashhood
Ahmed Khan, Excise Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, MD TDCP Ahmar Malik, Commissioner Lahore Abdullah Sunbal, DCO Capt. (R) Muhammad Usman, Vice Chairman TDCP Imran Ali Goraya and a large number of foreign delegates were present on the occasion.

First two day world mountain film festival is being held at Alhamra Arts Council, the Mall under the aegis of Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab in which five hundred documentaries based on tourism of Pakistan will be exhibited while a photographic exhibition will also be held.

At the end of festival besides awards giving function, a cultural programme will also be held.