Pakistan: A better tomorrow

Pakistan went through a difficult time in the last eighteen months as the Coronavirus pandemic swept through the nation, causing invaluable loss of lives and livelihood. But now, things are finally starting to turn around. The government is carrying out a massive vaccination campaign, economic growth is picking up, travel and leisure activities are increasing again. On this Independence Day, it seems like the country is heading towards a more prosperous tomorrow.

The Pakistani people have fought bravely against the twin threats of the Coronavirus pandemic and economic downturn. This resilience was also reflected by many businesses, like Byco Petroleum, who continued to provide key goods and services during the turmoil. Byco Petroleum faced all sorts of challenges in the past one and a half years but, the country’s biggest vertically integrated energy company made sure that Pakistan’s fuel supply network keeps operating smoothly. Byco Petroleum is Pakistan’s largest oil refinery that can process up to 156,000 barrels of crude oil every day at its plant in Hub, Balochistan. It also owns a Single Point Mooring facility located in the deep sea near its refinery which it uses to directly import crude oil and also converts that into refined products like petrol and diesel. It then supplies the fuel to oil marketing companies and also sells directly to customers through its network of more than four hundred petrol pumps located all across Pakistan.

However, the turmoil is now in the past and there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future. Finally, Pakistan’s economy is getting back on the right track. The trade and commerce have resumed, industries are running at a brisk pace, exports have bounced back, and inflation is subsiding. Against this backdrop, the employment levels and household incomes should increase. Secondly, hundreds of thousands of people are getting vaccinated daily which puts Pakistan in a good position to defeat the pandemic.

Due to the above-mentioned reasons, it is a perfect time to celebrate this Independence Day with joy and enthusiasm. Pakistanis have spent well over a year under the dark clouds of the pandemic but the country is now seeing an economic upturn which will bring a much-needed positive change. Byco Petroleum seeks to further spread positivity by showcasing some of Pakistan’s biggest qualities - invaluable freedom, a rich and resilient culture, stunning landscapes, and luscious food - through the "Pyara Pakistan, Hamara Pakistan" (Beautiful Pakistan, Our Pakistan) campaign. The goal of this campaign is to spread a message of optimism, hope, and unity among people. The digital leg of the campaign invites users to share pictures of beautiful sceneries and vibrant culture as well as the tales of their unforgettable travel experiences.

Pakistan has been blessed with stunning natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes that are, without doubt, some of the most, perhaps the most, beautiful places on earth. From the Makran Coastal Highway in Balochistan that runs alongside some of the most amazing rock formations to the famed ice-capped Karakoram mountain range in the north, to the historic Mughal era architecture of Lahore, to the mesmerising Kaghan valley in KPK’s Mansehra district, to the bustling city of Karachi, to Sindh’s sprawling Thar desert, Pakistan offers unique holiday experiences for every kind of traveller. From desert safaris to scuba diving to glacier climbing, Pakistan has something for everyone.

Before the pandemic, Pakistan’s tourism industry was experiencing a boom. The top tourist spots were full of millions of people from other cities as well as foreigners. There was a 70% increase in the number of foreign tourists in 2018 which contributed around $2 billion to the exchequer, and Pakistan was just getting started. But the rapid spread of the Coronavirus brought the tourism industry to a standstill. A revival, however, is currently underway, all thanks to the economic growth and successful vaccination campaigns. Now those families who are living in a sort of confinement under the lockdown situation are making the most of this revival by going to their favourite destinations. Once again, Swat Valley, Murree, Hunza, Gorakh Hills, Lahore’s restaurants, and Karachi’s beaches are swarming with tourists, including many foreigners who came from all over the world following the resumption of flight operations. As the atmosphere keeps getting better, the tourism industry will move from strength to strength and will bring progress and prosperity to the country.

The recovery in the tourism sector will be accompanied by an upswing in the food and beverage industry. Pakistan offers some of the world’s most delicious and unique foods. Every town and city uses its own authentic and exceptional products to make mouthwatering dishes. From high-end restaurants to roadside stalls, all provide millions of people with memorable culinary experiences. Every region in Pakistan has a blend of exclusive flavours. This includes Peshawar’s Tikka and Namkeen Gosht, Karachi’s Nihari and Biryani, Lahore’s Paaye and Murgh Cholay, Mardan’s Chapli Kebabs, Quetta’s Dumpukht and Roosh, as well as a vast array of local street food dishes, or different kinds of delicious snacks, fruits, nuts, salads, and vegetables. Given the variety, it is virtually impossible to list all the different kinds of delicious foods available in the country. The food experience itself is so wonderful that it motivates many locals and foreigners to travel hundreds or even thousands of miles to taste, as confirmed by several renowned international food vloggers, "life-changing meals."

Pakistan has faced numerous economic and social issues in the last eighteen months. Although some headwinds remain, the good thing is that the country is heading in the right direction of progress and prosperity. On this Independence Day, let’s promise to stay united against challenges, work together for its development, and celebrate its diversity, natural beauty, food, architecture, and culture.