Karachi(Cliff News) Rotary Club of Karachi New Central (RCKNC) and STDC signed an MOU here earlier today, at the historic Flagstaff House to seal their commitment to promote tourism in Sindh initially, and later in other parts of Pakistan also. The well-attended event featured Rotarians, government officials, media and university representatives. The chief guest at the event was the Minister for Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archives, Government of Sindh, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah.The programme began with those arriving on time being given a tour of the magnificent building, once home to the father of the nation, Quaid -e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah. Once the guests had assembled, the programme started with recitation from the holy Quran and the National anthem. Rtn Shehzad Abdullah conducted the proceedings as emcee, and invited president RCKNC, Shanaz Ramzi to officially welcome the guests.In her address Ramzi mentioned that her club would whole-heartedly strive to support STDC in their endeavour to promote tourism and stated “I am hoping that today is going to be the beginning of a long and healthy relationship between Rotarians all over Pakistan and STDC, with the former taking tours with their families and friends to various heritage sites not only in Sindh, but in all provinces. Our club will facilitate field trips for students of schools associated with the various Rotary clubs, including ours, to various areas of natural beauty and historical importance. We will also encourage these schools to include knowledge about the history, geography and culture of our country in their curriculum, and create awareness of the importance of protecting the environment and wildlife to promote eco-friendly tourism. Last, but not least, we aim to provide support to STDC in its efforts to promote sustainable tourism, which furthers our goal of development of local communities.”MD STDC, Syed Feyaz Ali Shah then addressed the audience. He said, “STDC will provide its full support to Rotary and participate in awareness-raising events organized by them on various types of tourism opportunities — such as cultural, historical, religious and eco-tourism in Sindh and other parts of the country. We will assist RCKNC in planning tours by sharing information on various places of interest in Sindh, and later in other provinces as well, including those that are not generally well-known. Our accommodations at STDC resorts, hotels and guesthouses will be available at subsidised rates to RCKNC members and guests. We will also inshallah facilitate other logistics for tours regarding transport, security, access to sites and events, tour guides, etc. and provide linkages to other tourism development corporations in Pakistan at the federal and provincial levels.”
The Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archives, Government of Sindh Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah was the Chief Guest of this occasion. In his speech he appreciated the support of Rotary Club, Karachi for Promotion of Tourism in Sindh and assured his best possible support for the Cultural and tourism development programs in the province of Sindh.He highlighted the recent initiatives being taken by the Ministry for the promotion of Tourism including, desert Train Safari from Karachi to Khokhrapar, desert jeep safari and development programmes at Gorakh Hill being initiated under public private partnership. Mr Shah said that infrastructure development, safety and security of domestic and international tourists is his first priority. Soon medical facilities at tourist sites will also be arranged.The event was also attended by the members of Provincial Assembly Mr Malik Sikandar Khan, Makhdoom Fakhar Zaman and Mr Hallar Wasan, who in their speech appreciated the collaborative initiatives of Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah and assured their support for the promotion of Tourism in the province.The MOU signing ceremony then took place between Ramzi and Shah after which District Governor Hanif Khan was invited to share his views. He congratulated Ramzi on this historic step and wished the partners the best of luck, assuring them of his maximum assistance.Group photographs and presentation of mementos were followed by a vote of Thanks and refreshments. Those who had not partaken of the tour earlier were then taken around the magnificent museum.
Cliff Pakistan News 