Rawalpindi, September 27: A photographic and essay competition among the students on the theme of the World Tourism Day, “Tourism Opens Doors for Women”, was organized by Ministry of Tourism/PTDC. A photo exhibition and seminar was also arranged at the auditorium of Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) Rawalpindi to commemorate the day.

Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra, Chairperson National Commission on Status of Women, graced the occasion as chief guest while Dr. Shahzad Qaiser Secretary Tourism, Dr. Professor Saeeda Asadullah, Vice Chancellor FJWU and Ms. Amna Khan, young women climber also addressed the gathering of over 400 university students and travel trade people.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Tourism Dr. Shahzad Qaiser said the Pakistan has emerged as a tourism friendly country as solid steps were taken for the promotion of tourism and tourist industry in the country. He said Pakistan is, by the grace of Allah Almighty, enriched with the huge tourism potential having beautiful areas and scenic views in different parts of the country attracting local as well as the foreign tourists. He said that Government has been giving much importance to the womenfolk to ensure their active participation in nation building and development of the country, following the vision of President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. He said that the government has adopted a comprehensive policy for the protection and safety of the tourists and this is a fact that no foreign tourist made victim of any terrorist act in Pakistan adding security of foreigners was our prime duty.

Dr. Saeed Asadullah highlighted the role played by FJWU in gender equality and women empowerment through by providing quality education to young Pakistani women in disciplines like marketing, finance,, business administration, graphic designing, computer sciences and tourism management. She said the university would soon introduced a masters degree programme in tourism & hospitality management.

Chief Guest Dr. Arfa Sayeda said that Allah Almighty has created this universe including men and women. He gifted many of his attributes to human beings but gifted the attribute of creation only to women. Women are usually considered weaker than men but these are women who give birth to strong men. She said women of Pakistan have all capacity and will to bring a positive change in the society through actively participating in all economic activities particularly in tourism sector.

Miss Amna Khan, student of FJWU and the first Pakistani women climber, shared her experiences and challenges she faced in learning the skill of mountain climbing, with her fellow students of the university. She was given laud applause over her conviction and courage by adopting a hobby thought to be the domain of men only.

Later, prizes and certificates were distributed among the winners and participants of the photographic and essay writing competitions. Miss Sana Anis was awarded the 1st prize in amateur photographer category and Mr. A.K. Fauzi was given 2nd prize. Mr. Yasir Nisar stood first and Mr. Aftab Rana was 2nd in professional photographer category. Miss Samia Asif won the first while Mr. Khaliq-ur-Rahman won 2nd prize in essay writing competition. The photographic exhibition on Pakistan’s tourist attractions set up by PTDC and IUCN was visited and appreciated by thousands of students and teachers of the University throughout the day.