A group of young men and women who were sick of being synonymous with negative connotations took it upon themselves to change the perception of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa and Pashtuns. Under the banner of #GoZest, these youngsters invited the rest of Pakistan to #RediscoverKP. Traditionally known as “The Land of Hospitality”, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa is now commonly associated with extremism, terrorism, insecurity, and intolerance.
Pakistan, and in particular Khyber Pukhtunkhwa is perceived as one of the most dangerous places in the world, adversely affecting the tourism industry in the region. The #GoZest Initiative aims at bringing tourism back to KP, and changing the negative stereotypes associated with the province and its people.
#GoZest 2016
GOZEST was Pakistan’s very first 5-day cultural retreat. The event attracted more one hundred and seventy participants ranging from ages 20 to 30 from all over Pakistan. GoZest gave participants a taste of Pashtun hospitality and allowed them to experience the hidden beauty of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. Partakers in the excursions viewed five different scenic areas within Abbottabad District including NaththiaGali, Khanaspur, Donga Gali, Bara Gali, and Ayubia.
Participants explored NaththiaGali, Khanaspur, Donga Gali, Bara Gali, and Ayubia
Apart from daily excursions, participants took part in interactive sessions, question/answer panel discussions, and networking activities. Because the event attracted leading young personalities from the world of business development, politics, media, civil society, and academia; participants were provided with a platform to discuss national challenges towards democracy, education, and peace. Overall the experience enabled inter-cultural dialogue and promoted national integrity. Participants left with a unified vision of peace and harmony for Pakistan and a positive impression of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa.
Day 1: Arrival Day
The opening ceremony of #GoZest was held in Abbottabad with British-Pakistani journalist and film producer Reham Khan as the Chief Guest. After a series of motivational speeches by guest speakers and event coordinators, participants were registered and assigned to their hotel rooms in Nathiagali.
Day 2: Promoting Tourism to #RediscoverKP:
Delegates were divided into groups of 15 with a designated guide as they embarked a series of activities which included a friendly cricket match at the historic Khanaspur Cricket Ground located in Ayubia. The cricket ground is at an altitude of about 2250 meters (7500 feet) above sea level. Next the participants trekked the 4km Pipeline from Ayubia to Donga Gali. Participants took chair lifts to Ayubia National Park, where they planted 1500 plants donated by the Galiyath Development Authority as #gogreen initiative.
Pakistani currency continues to gain against US Dollar and other currencies on April 18, 2024. US dollar was being quoted at 277.2 for buying and 280.3 for selling.
Euro comes down to 293 for buying and 296 for selling while British Pound stands at 342.25 for buying, and 345.65 for selling.
UAE Dirham AED was at 75.25 and Saudi Riyal's new rates was at 73.30.
Currency | Symbol | Buying | Selling |
---|---|---|---|
US Dollar | USD | 277.2 | 280.3 |
Euro | EUR | 293 | 296 |
UK Pound Sterling | GBP | 342.25 | 345.65 |
U.A.E Dirham | AED | 75.25 | 75.95 |
Saudi Riyal | SAR | 73.3 | 74.05 |
Australian Dollar | AUD | 181 | 182.8 |
Bahrain Dinar | BHD | 739.63 | 747.63 |
Canadian Dollar | CAD | 201 | 203 |
China Yuan | CNY | 38.45 | 38.85 |
Danish Krone | DKK | 40.45 | 40.85 |
Hong Kong Dollar | HKD | 35.57 | 35.92 |
Indian Rupee | INR | 3.32 | 3.43 |
Japanese Yen | JPY | 1.86 | 1.94 |
Kuwaiti Dinar | KWD | 902.26 | 912.91 |
Malaysian Ringgit | MYR | 58.24 | 59.52 |
New Zealand Dollar | NZD | 164.75 | 169.63 |
Norwegians Krone | NOK | 25.42 | 25.68 |
Omani Riyal | OMR | 722.1 | 730.1 |
Qatari Riyal | QAR | 76.37 | 77.05 |
Singapore Dollar | SGD | 206 | 208 |
Swedish Korona | SEK | 25.72 | 26.02 |
Swiss Franc | CHF | 307.11 | 309.61 |
Thai Bhat | THB | 7.56 | 7.76 |
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