by News Desk

KP launches mobile app for tourists

July 4, 2019

The tourism department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has launched Pakistan’s first mobile app and web portal called KPtourism with the aim to promote tourism in the country.

Senior provincial minister of Tourism, Culture, and Youth Affairs Atif Khan inaugurated the mobile app on Wednesday.

Through the app, you can search for more than 100 destinations, find nearby attractions on the go, and interact with other travellers. Both the app and the website have the images and videos of all scenic destination along with relevant data.

Android users can download the app from:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kptourism.kptourism

For Apple users this is the link to download the app

https://apps.apple.com/pk/app/kptourism/id1470219062

You can also find packages and updates on events. However, the itineraries and blog section have not yet been updated.

The app also allows people to share their experiences, videos, pictures and give suggestions, and plans using the “Contribute” section.

Study reveals women are happier without children or a spouse

May 29, 2019

A new study by a leading expert in happiness has revealed that unmarried and childless women are the happiest and are more likely to live longer.

Paul Dolan, a professor of behavioural science at the London School of Economics, said the latest evidence showed that the traditional markers used to measure success did not correlate with happiness – particularly marriage and raising children. He said that married people only say they’re happy when their spouse is in the room. But when they’re not, they say they’re miserable.

He further shared that men benefited from marriage because they “calmed down, took fewer risks, earned more money at work, and lived a little longer.” Their health even benefited from marriage. Women’s health, on the other hand, remained mostly unaffected, though middle-aged married women are at higher risk of physical and mental conditions than their single counterparts. They are also likely to die earlier.

“The healthiest and happiest population subgroup are women who never married or had children,” Dolan said.

While other studies have measured some financial and health benefits in being married, for both men and women on average, Dolan says those could be attributed to higher incomes and emotional support, which allow married people to take risks and seek medical help.

Despite the benefits of a single, childless lifestyle for women, Dolan said that the existing narrative that marriage and children were signs of success meant that the stigma could lead some single women to feel unhappy.

Tired of being bored? Here’s how you can explore your city

May 5, 2019

Karachi – Mohatta Palace

Art, architecture, and culture come to play at this 20th-century residential palace, which has now been converted into an art gallery and museum surrounded by trees and statues.

While we were doing our research, a Karachi historian told us a lesser-known story about the palace. She told us that the building was constructed by Mohatta, a Hindu Marwari business, for his wife who was ill. The doctors suggested that her illness could be cured if she gets refreshing winds from the sea. Thus, Mohatta had this fascinating structure built on a large piece of land facing the sea.

Lahore – Badshahi Mosque

While taking a stroll through the masjid, one is almost transported back in history. The red bricks and perfectly round domes signify traditional Mughal architecture.

Historians say that the Badshahi Mosque was initially planned to guard a strand of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) hair.

The mosque is also famous for its unique echo system. The Muazzan used to recite the azan at one corner but the sound of it would be heard all around, as if he was speaking in a microphone. The sound system was destroyed when the floor was replaced, but one can still experience its remains.

Islamabad – Pakistan Monument

Everyone who visits this place says that it’s a must-visit. The Pakistan Monument in Islamabad represents all four provinces of Pakistan. Who knew that one day we would have five provinces?

Apart from the large structure, the place also has a museum where you can learn about Pakistan from realistic models, which are informative and fun.

Bahawalpur – Derawar Fort

The fort was initially known as Dera Wal is one of the oldest and most architecturally fascinating forts in Pakistan. Located in the heart of the magnificent Cholistan Desert, the Derawar fort is also connected to other forts in the Cholistan through a network of underground tunnels.

There is an old canon of historic value in the courtyard of the fort that was used against enemies during war. The walls inside the structure are damaged but their former glory is still intact.

Tomb Shah Rukne Alam Multan

Shah Rukn-e-Alam was an eminent Sufi from Multan, also known as the city of saints and sufis. The shrine of Shah Rukn e Alam is one of Pakistan’s architectural treasures. The shrine itself, its ambience and the presence of qawwals in the courtyard give you a peaceful vibe. A large number of devotees from every corner of the country visit Multan annually to attend the urs.

KP launches mobile app for tourists