1359 Pakistan is a country between the Himalayas and the Arabian Gulf. The country has a total area of 796,100 km² and a total length of coastline of 1,046 km. This land mass is about 1.5 times the size of France. Pakistan is thus one of the largest countries in Asia and the 35th largest country in the world. Only a relatively small share of the population (37%) lives in urban areas. The country is relatively high, with an average altitude of 900 m above sea level. The highest peak in the country (K2) is 8,611 meters above sea level. The country has about 100 islands. There are direct borders with 4 neighboring countries Afghanistan, China, India and Iran.
Report produced by our special correspondent in Lahore: Youcef MAALLEMI.
With hard work from the Embassy of Pakistan in Algiers, headed by Mr. Qazafi Rini, in charge of economic relations at the said embassy, that everything is ready for the departure of the Algerian delegation of businessmen who go to the exhibition fair which took place from February 23 to 25 at the Lahore exhibition center which is located a few minutes from the city center. From Algiers International Airport, we prepared the Algiers-Lahore flight, passing through the brand new Istanbul airport for a three-hour stopover before resuming the flight via the same airline Turkish Airlines, with which we had a pleasant flight. 03:15 in the morning, the plane of the Turkish Aérlins company is gently drawn to the Allama Muhammad Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, Pakistan, already at the customs level of the said airport, the customs officers welcome us with a smile. Outside the airport, the temperature is around 28 degrees. On the road to the two hotels Royal and Avarixpress where the members of the delegations are staying, we find that the city of Lahore is a safe city, because to get to these two hotels, there are no police escorts. armed, even at a late hour, which is even more striking, the city is very bright. The next morning, after breakfast, we accompanied by Mr. Qazafi, to go around the city of Lahore, there we begin to discover the city of Lahore hectic day and night which gives a sign of security. On the evening of the first day, we went there for the memorial (peace to their souls), guided tour, but unescorted even at night. This memorial, Minar-e-Pakistan, also known as “Pakistan Tower”, was built for one purpose: to commemorate the Lahore Resolution. Qarardad-e-Pakistan was adopted at a session of the All India Muslim League on March 23, 1940. It was held at Minto Park – now renamed Iqbal Park. The nation celebrates this momentous occasion as Pakistan Day and the government of Pakistan announces it as a public holiday every year. For any patriotic citizen of Pakistan, the history of Minar-e-Pakistan holds great significance. There is a historic moment behind this tall tower in Lahore. The Pakistan resolution cemented the way to a separate Muslim state in India. So what events paved the way for Qarardad-e-Pakistan? Until the mid-1930s, Muslim rulers strove to safeguard the political interests of Muslims in India and wanted Muslim-majority provinces to have maximum autonomy. On the memorial there are inscriptions inside the building. The Lahore Resolution in text form is inscribed on the stone wall of Minar-e-Pakistan. It is written in different languages: English, Urdu, Bengali and even Arabic. On different panels, using calligraphy, verses from the Holy Quran and the 99 names of Allah are engraved while the national anthem of Pakistan is also engraved in Bengali and Urdu. Also available are excerpts from Mohammad Ali Jinnah's speeches in Bengali, English and Urdu. Some of Allama Iqbal's famous couplets are also inscribed on the walls.
A market tour of Shah Alami Bazaar in Lahore.
Like all popular neighborhoods in the city, Shah Alami Bazaar is always full. Known for its commercial vocation, the town attracts people throughout the day until late at night. She lives day and night. People come from everywhere, especially from the regions bordering Lahore. Just look at the car registration numbers. "Here, everyone finds their account", says a young woman met at the market where traders offer kitchen utensils, detergents, lingerie and children's clothes. Even gold sells in this market. The hand of the watch indicates past 6 p.m. Looking for a parking space makes you dizzy. The main arteries are reserved for parking cars, and in front of the market entrances, itinerant vendors set up their tables, "everything is sold here", according to an itinerant trader. At the Shah Alami Bazaar market, pedestrians struggle to make their way. "You have to wake up very early to avoid everyone," says a sixty-something woman. Residing very close to the said market, she says that throughout the year, the competitive prices charged attract an impressive number of visitors. In this large market in Lahore, you can mainly find clothing. Adorned with a special decoration of the premises, very bright at night, remain open until late, at the market, everything is at your fingertips. Around the market, the shops are even livelier, especially at night. Fast food is not idle. Tea, grills... there's something for everyone. At the market, mainly motivated by low prices, what attracts in this business are the clothes that cannot be found in other shops. Alongside retro T-shirts, tracksuits, pants, swimsuits, underwear, there is also jewelry, accessories, handbags, sandals, dresses, shoes... there is something for everyone! Moreover, on the fact that buying in these shops is a good deal in view of the quality-price ratio. In terms of quality and price are reasonable, since these are Local products (Made in Pakistan) generally it is products sold in this market on the price aspect they are cheaper than those sold in department stores in Lahore. During our trip to some stores in the city center, we noticed that traders do not apply the same price as the market. It is different from store to store. The brand is there for something. As it was explained to us by one of the sellers that the price depends on the brand. The Pakistani textile-clothing industry is supposed to be an important sector carrying economic value and lucrative activity, key to economic balances. The textile and clothing market is currently. The Shah Alami Bazaar market serves as a commercial hub. Means of transport are available. Unlike Algiers, taxi drivers respect social distancing instructions. "No customer in the front and only two passengers in the back, otherwise I risk having my license withdrawn," explains a taxi driver.
Pakistan is not what you think of it… negatively!
We read some Western newspapers, that Pakistan is classified on the list of countries at risk, but on the ground, we will realize, that it is only lies and propaganda. Pakistan is a safe country, Pakistanis are very open, very welcoming. Over three days of our stay in the city of Lahore, this city highlights the cultural diversity and the historical cachet enjoyed by the region which makes it a tourist destination par excellence. The visitor is, in fact, attached and attracted by its splendor and above all sublimated by its cleanliness, its architectural charm and its brilliance. Unlike several regions of the country, Lahore has managed to preserve its ancestral urban legacy, perfectly marrying the touch of modernity instilled in the region, especially in the city center. In Lahore there is no risk of getting bored. The region offers its visitors a multitude of choices and places to visit. It encompasses four types of tourism: business, commercial and historical. In the ancient city of Lahore, peaceful one finds the traces of the civilizations which marked their passage since antiquity, by the British from the 17th century and, more particularly, the collapse in 1849 of the Sikh Empire, Non-Muslim state centered on the city of Lahore.Lahore is the second largest city in Pakistan after Karachi, it is located a few kilometers from India. The locals like to tell us that "if you haven't seen Lahore you don't know the world", a majority travel by motorbike in the city and through Pakistan, the city is less polluted Before the pandemic, the city knew an intensity of tourist activity, but with the will of the government a relative recovery is currently being felt. After consultation with the operators, a strategy was put in place to catch up and minimize the loss of profit recorded during the health crisis where the activity was completely stopped. According to our interlocutor, "The government has decided to review the pricing downwards to attract the maximum number of tourists to our region in general and to the country in particular," he said. The city of Lahore is teeming with people. It is regaining the dynamism it has lost over the past two years. The square in the city center is worth the detour.
Impressions from delegation members.
Mr.
Abdelkarim SAIGH, Chairman, Managing Director of VMS Industries.
"I have visited several countries around the world, but this trip is well organized on all levels, logistics, relations and guided tours with support for our requests and the placement of translators... Sincerely, the organization was on top (transport, accommodation, meal, visit, everything is impeccable!!) without being stuffy. Our guide Mr. Qazafi Reni takes into account each one of us. We felt totally immersed in the country; the encounters with the inhabitants are unforgettable; the visits to each place are rich in lessons from our guide. The discovery of Lahore from this beautiful city is breathtaking. I strongly recommend to all those who dream of making their vacation an authentic, stress-free experience, an unforgettable exceptional trip!!!! We have made several visits to the manufacturing and assembly factories of tractors and motorcycles, we find the industry sector in Pakistan is on the right track”.
Mr.Stephane "Abbas" MIEZAN, Vice-President of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Accra (Ghana).
"if you haven't been to
someone's farm, you'd always think you have the best farm" ( an African
proverb). that sums the impression I got when I stepped foot on that beautiful
Asian land. very impressive city of Lahore with it modern architecture and well
preserved ancient beauty of the old Lahore city. Very welcoming culture and
excellent and tasty food. " a country I will always want to return to
given the opportunity". I must say
it's a great initiative taken by the Pakistani government to open the country
to people all over the world and also initiate bilateral business agreements
with the countries of Africa and Ghana in particular. this is a great
opportunity for Pakistan and the various countries as the world faces economic
challenges following the COVID19 outbreak and the Russian/Ukraine war. pls give
me the permission to thank Ambassador Farhat Ayesha ( High Commussioner to
Ghana) for this invitation extended to the Ghana National Chamber of
Commerce and the business community of
Ghana. the government and people of Pakistan should and must do everything to
bring peace and harmony that will help erase all negative propaganda against
the country.”
Mr. MAMACHE Sid Ali, Managing Director of Eurl Proshield specialized in beacon.
"I found Pakistan a very welcoming country, and the great beauty of this trip the presence of Mr. QAZAFI who made this a great adventure. The show was very interesting with impeccable organization. We had great moments of sharing with the inhabitants of the communities. It was really what we were looking for! I would like to thank everyone involved for the success of this beautiful and unforgettable stay".
Dr Taringue Waziri Gambo, General Manager of the company Agro business industry and engineering - Niger.
"I participated in this forum as general manager of the Agro business industry and engineering company. This meeting, which I describe as very important, because it allowed us to discover manufactured and innovative products in emerging countries such as Pakistan, which no one describes as poor and without social security. All that the tabloid media told us about research and sustainable development in this area is nothing but poor quality propaganda. We have found brave men and women who innovate in both quality and quantity. Lahore remains for me a reference in the matter. All development challenges can be taken up without fear by our emerging countries. The demonization and the systematic denial of development that the West continues to deny close to these countries constitute an illusion stemming from their myopia and their obstinacy in seeing only their cliché and its perfection. Each community has its geniuses. The exchanges with the participants that we are make us believe that the business world is moving and it constitutes the liberating axis of our energies".
“My impression is that the Lahore fair was well organized and that Pakistani industry impresses African visitors, including two Mauritanian businessmen, Messrs. Taleb Moussa and Diadi Camara. The trip was very well organized, everything went very well on site. The hotels were clean and the receptionists very kind and attentive. The people are very welcoming and of course the landscapes are breathtaking”
Mr. Youcef Djamel, manufacturer of soccer balls.
“Regarding this commercial trip, it was a magnificent and very successful trip because all the conditions were met, in particular the good organization and the great interest for this exhibition on the part of the Pakistani authorities. The one who helped us was the Pakistan Embassy in Algeria, headed by Mr. Qazafi, who made it easy for us to get everything. He was the first successful man on this trip, providing us with all the appropriate conditions. He spared us nothing, even the simplest things, in his country. We again thank Mr. Qazafi and all the wonderful and respectable group who accompanied us throughout the trip and we thank the Pakistani authorities for their success in organizing this international exhibition.”
Mr. Diadie Camara. Director of Firana Africa and Wendit North Africa.
“I did not imagine that Pakistan was so advanced in the pharmaceutical sector and consumables, which makes Pakistan a very good partner in this sector and given their prices which are very competitive, Africans must find the best way to work with this great country, Pakistan can be a major partner for African countries that so wish. As far as the agricultural sector is concerned, I also made the same observation, especially since our conditions are similar, but it is still very advanced compared to the image we had of Pakistan. They are very welcoming, very polite, kind, adorable and curious to discover Africa and do business there. I will finish by thanking the two ambassadors, that of Senegal and Algeria, for their attention to each of us, the proof that I am still in Pakistan visiting factories in magnificent historical places, and we are totally supported by those that the two ambassadors put in touch with us. We feel totally safe, contrary to the evidence, we are still here in Lahore.”
Madam. Muqadas Shehzadi Faiz. Quality translator.
“As a translator, I had the opportunity to speak with different delegations, to find out what they were interested in as products in Pakistan and to be able to translate it to Pakistani business owners. The fair was beneficial not only for them but also for us, as it allowed us to understand what kind of products we can supply as a nation and what are the needs of these different countries. I hope that this type of fair will continue and that we Pakistanis can also plan to visit and show our products in these countries”.
"A magnificent trip which is for the moment my most beautiful trip. The discovery of an extraordinary culture, but also the discovery of the very welcoming Pakistani people.......a whole world in 5 days and full of images, each one more beautiful than the other. Thanks to my dear dad and Mr. Qazafi, for having made me discover this beautiful and exciting country. We are really delighted with this stay and thank you for your advice, proposals, preparation work as well as for the discussions we had. Maybe one day we will want to continue discovering this beautiful country, Pakistan."
Mr. Khawar Ashfaq, translator in several foreign languages
"Translating from French to English for all my brothers and sisters in Africa was an experience I will never forget. I felt an amazing connection between African countries and Pakistan as both sides wanted to do business and ensure that both sides achieve their business goals. I hope this experience will continue so that we can amaze the world as an African and Asian nation. as a French interpreter in Pakistan for all French speaking countries, I was able to help and guide them in their 3 day visit to Pakistan, and people were friendly and happy. I learned a lot from them and the same goes the other way around. I hope we will meet again next year, Insh'Allah."
Mr.
sayed A.Wahab. Mananing Director Financial Intgrated Salutions - Egypt
“Exhibition in lahore is very good organized by a nice team
of Tade in pakistan you have a good
vareity products and highy quality with cheap prices secondly lahore city is
very nice ,views , and beatiful city
but crawded we hope from your govrnment arrange evey year same Fair with
systems thanks a lots we hope come again and deal with pakistian factories thanks
and best regards”