News Alert:
Today's Headlines
A war airplane given to Orient airways in Pakistan that crash-landed on the banks of the Indus River, Oct 13, 1950, has become a draw for people who visit Shangrila. All aboard Orient airways survived, but the aircraft was abandoned and the plane lay in damaged state. That is until Retd. Col. Muhammad Aslam Khan, founder of Shangrila Resorts, near Skardu, bought the plane for just Pkr 150 . With the help of hundreds of locals the plane – reportedly used by the US during World War 11 – was transported over mountains, rivers, and narrow tracks, reaching the lake after three months. In 1983, it was transformed into one of the world’s most unique restaurants. Today, visitors from across the globe come not only to enjoy the tranquil, crystal clear waters of Lower Kachura Lake, Shangrila lake but also to step inside this airplane restaurant. Tourists who come to Shangrila are awed by its natural beauty. At the same time they learn history when they step inside the airplane. Shangrila now has a unique blend of natural surroundings, its heart shaped lake and the breathtaking mountain tops – topped by a whiff from the past.
Tomorrow's Future
A `Freedom Train’ launched by the Culture Department ahead of the 14th August celebration took 100 urban residents from Karachi to Tharparkar and back, to demonstrate that Sindh has unique historical and cultural places to visit. The visitors were entertained by folk songs and viewed handiwork made by the locals of Sindh.In recent times efforts are being made to open up Sindh for tourism- from the historic ruins of Mohen jo Daro to the Great Wall of Rani Kot to the Gorakh Hills and the embankments of the Indus River. Still, much needs to be done to build infrastructure and provide attractions that may divert visitors from solely traveling to the Northern areas of Pakistan. In this context, tour operators suggest construction of roads that can take visitors from one point to another. Indeed, this works best for foreign visitors who may want to combine a trip to the North with visiting historical and cultural sites of Sindh.
Informed and Inspired
The Power Of Information
Minorities Display Chains Ahead of Independence Day A minority rights march was held on Sunday, Aug. 10, from the YMCA to the Sindh Assembly to demand that the government intervene to stop forcible marriage conversions of young girls.According to them, there was a growing trend of kidnapping school going minority girls and getting them converted and married by force. Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims turned out in full force to ask that the government also return the Christian schools that had been taken away from them under the guise of nationalization. They further asked for an end to the labeling of Christians as sanitary workers, and asked that low income minorities be afforded the full rights available to the Muslim communities.
Unlocking Insights
Read. React. Discuss.
