Blogs & News - Premier Choice

Real Estate in Islamabad

By Premierchoice,December 19, 2022December 19, 2022

There are a number of reasons why Islamabad is a great city to invest in. The more people who move to Islamabad and the more development projects that happen, the better it is for you as a real estate investor. Property rates in Islamabad have been good in recent years, and they’ll keep improving. If you are looking to make an investment in the real estate in Islamabad, look no further than Premier Choice International.

We as an industry-leading real estate developer are dedicated to maximizing clients’ benefits and for this, we provide an easy booking and dealing process. At Premier Choice International, we take pride in our clear, precise, and easy-to-understand dealing process. Keeping in mind the best interest of our clients, we ensure that they get the most benefit from their booking, and for that, our booking process is tailored to help our clients choose the best option according to their budget, demands, and what they are looking out for from their investment.

As you begin your search for properties, our sales experts will provide you with a complete understanding of the type of property you are looking for. In addition to maps, location sitemaps, videos, images, and walkthroughs, the project details will also include visuals and 3-D displays. Our real estate agent will also give you a site tour so you can better understand the property’s size.

After our client has decided which real estate property they want to invest in, we assist them to narrow down their choices and make sure they make the right choice. We make sure that our clients understand the advantages and limitations of their choices by guiding them through this process.

If you intend to move forward Premier Choice International invites you to schedule a meeting with the agent at any convenient time and visit our office. Once the client is ready to proceed with their investment with us, our sales expert will ask you to fill out an application form and other documentation. After making the down payment or booking fee, you just need to review the details of the file, and then you are ready to move forward intelligently.

We’re one of the top real estate agencies in the business. With over a decade of experience, we know how to get the job done right. Premier Choice International has been offering multiple real estate investment solutions making it a one-stop for all your commercial and residential property needs. These investment solutions include:

Real Estate Investment

Professionals from our team will help you throughout the process to make the best investment in real estate.

Real Estate Consultancy

By keeping the concerns and benefits of the client in mind, Premier Choice International provides its clients wanting to invest in the Pakistani real estate market with expert consultancy and investment advice.

Property Management

In order to help our clients make the most of their wealth, Premier Choice International offers outstanding property management and planning services.

Common Real Estate Investment Mistakes You Should Avoid

By Premierchoice,October 7, 2021December 19, 2022

If you are planning on entering the real estate market and investing in it, you may want to come up with a strategic and practical decision that saves your time, energy and provides decent outcomes. No matter where or how you invest, you cannot expect to succeed overnight. The real estate market is highly competitive and thus, requires knowledge, experience, and skill. To make sure you are heading in the right direction, you need to avoid common real estate investment blunders. But first, let’s get to know what they are.

Not Planning Ahead

Avoiding pre-planning is one of the most common mistakes an investor in the real estate sector may make. When making an investment decision, you need to consider both the short-term and long-term impacts that it may have. After deciding what type of property you are looking for, you need to consider several other factors. These include your property’s payment plan, rental returns, maintenance costs, capital growth potential, and possible future depreciation. Most importantly, do not rely on luck and try to rush through the process.

Lack of Market Research

Being a part of a hot market, skipping on market research can land you in a lot of trouble. Pre-planning and market research needs to be done simultaneously. This will assist you in easing up your decision-making. Furthermore, it will help you increase your market knowledge so you can save yourself from fraud, potential loss, and scams!

Doing everything by yourself

Consulting a trusted real estate agent or an expert with adequate market knowledge should be a rule of thumb, especially if you are new in the real estate business. Mostly, these experts also have links with attorneys, other homeowners, contractors, tax accountants, insurance representatives, and home inspectors who can help you during the entire process of buying a property. A trusted and qualified real estate agent will let you know of the dos and don’ts when purchasing, renting, or selling property. Consulting others for advice will help you determine whether or not you are heading in the right direction.

Choosing the wrong real estate agent

Keeping in view the aforementioned point, a real estate agent may not always work in your favor. Finding someone you can trust in the real estate industry can be a challenging feat. It is your responsibility to run a background check on him to determine whether the agent has the market knowledge, significant experience, and an authentic portfolio. It is a good idea to get a referral from a friend or relative who has previously dealt with a real estate agent. If your chosen real estate agent is not verified or does not own any licenses, you may easily end up falling victim to scams and lose your hard-earned money.

Overspending

Overbidding on a property might result in a cascade of issues. You could overextend yourself and take on too much debt, resulting in payments that are greater than what you can afford. As a result, recouping your investments might take quite a lot of time. It may be a good idea to simply check for similar property prices on real estate websites or in the local newspaper. It is very straightforward to know that you should aim to keep your offers similar to previous house sales in the vicinity unless the property that you are buying has special amenities that are expected to increase its value over the passage of time. Moreover, having patience and negotiations with your real estate agent may help you cut down on some costs.

Conclusion

All in all, diligent research, patience, and strategic decision-making can greatly help you make your real estate investment process smooth. Before you step into the industry, know that the process is not something easy. Thus, if you are looking to invest in real estate in Pakistan with a trusted and renowned real estate developer, Premier Choice International is the one to go with. Since Premier Choice International’s conception, we have aimed to deliver superior investment returns to our multinational clientele. In addition, we specifically specialize in Real Estate Development, Domestic and International Brokerage, Property Management, and Investment. Along with our proven reputation, we focus on growth and expert value engineering to ensure an unmatchable nexus between our trust and your capital growth. Currently, Premier Choice International has active operations in Dubai, Islamabad, and New York City.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Real Estate Agent

By Premierchoice,September 28, 2021December 19, 2022

Whether you are looking to buy, rent, or sell property; it is a good idea to carry out a bit of market research and have some insights before you make a final decision. There are plenty of risks involved when dealing with property or in similar competitive markets. Thus, you may want to consult a reputable real estate agent who has the know-how of the current real estate industry and its trends. Since there is a large pool of options to choose from, finding someone experienced, trustworthy, and reputable may be a challenging feat. It is crucial for you to connect with an experienced and reputed agent or organization. Otherwise, you can easily fall victim to scams or property fraud which, unfortunately, is getting more common day after day. Such agents may try to dig for an extra commission by offering you higher prices when you buy the property or lower prices when you sell it. Here are some things you need to keep in mind when entrusting yourself with a real estate agent.

Carry out your own research

When you’re looking for a real estate agent, keep several options in hand. Before choosing the first option you find legitimate, don’t make the decision hastily. Instead, do some research on all the options you have found, then shortlist one or two.

View their work portfolio

Having a look at the agent’s work portfolio will allow you to evaluate his knowledge and experience. It will also give you details regarding previous projects he has worked on, and what types of projects he plans on competing in the future. Most agents and companies have their portfolios listed on their official websites. Browsing their website may also provide you with reviews and testimonials of other homeowners.

Assess their honesty

Once you have shortlisted the agents, you can run a background check on them to assess their honesty and trustworthiness. You may ask the agent for the pros and cons of the property they are selling to you. If they repeatedly mention the pros and simply ignore the cons, then they are most probably bluffing. In case it is possible, getting in touch with their past clients or other realtors for their reviews might help you in this regard. If their experiences were hassle-free, then it is likely that the real estate agent is good at what he does.

Good communication skills

This can be an essential aspect when dealing with property contracts. Having solid communication skills would allow the agent to better understand your requirements and provide you with suitable options. It can also be the key to getting negotiations settled when buying the property.

Market knowledge

A real estate agent should have complete knowledge of the current market trends, pricing policies, and legal proceedings. You must also make sure that they are licensed and certified.

Referrals

References from trusted members of your social circle, whether friends or family, are an effective way to discover a realtor. Whenever presented with a long list of alternatives and limited knowledge, allowing another person to lead you in the direction of a specific trusted agent with whom they had a good experience is important and very helpful. Other than asking for references from individuals that you’ve known well, it is also beneficial to receive references from the families living in your neighborhood that have similar tastes, lives, histories, and other aspects as you.

Interview of Agents

Taking an interview is a part of the selection, whatever the case may be. Interviews are for getting an overall idea about the person, his vibe, his aura, his punctuality, and his seriousness. An interview tells us where exactly a person stands. While interviewing a realtor, you learn about his experience, methods, and recommendations.

Prioritize Skill

You get all of the information required to make an ultimate decision at this stage in the choosing phase. Consider the following principal questions when coming up with a verdict based on the knowledge you finally gather:

Who has the most knowledge of the local market? Who has more experience dealing with customers like yourself? Who has the most positive feedback? Who reduces the most money for buyers?

In the end, it is important to realize that the right realtor will always give you the best options according to your convenience. That is how you will know which one is the right one for you. Make a smarter choice; entrust yourself with Premier Choice International!

House Financing in Pakistan

By Premierchoice,September 21, 2021December 19, 2022

Housing is a basic human necessity but its increasing rates in the real estate market can be a major hurdle for people, especially those who live in developing countries like Pakistan. Mostly, people who desire to buy a house cannot afford it all on their own and hence, require loans from private lenders such as banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies. Many banks provide low-cost housing plans offering affordable house loans to lower and middle-income families. This is referred to as House Financing, which can be divided into two main categories:

Conventional house financing in which loans are provided to you. These have to be paid off, coupled with an interest, in order for you to gain complete ownership of the house.
Islamic house financing in which you and your bank buy the property. Eventually, you have to periodically pay off the bank’s share to gain ownership of the house. This is also known as Diminishing Musharakah.

As you prepare yourself to buy residential property, you will need to learn everything possible about house financing and mortgages. This is one of the biggest points of confusion, worry, and downright failure for many would-be homeowners as inadequate knowledge and mismanagement of funds can end up disastrous for already struggling house buyers.

Procedure for House Financing

Step 1

The first step is getting in touch with an institution that is involved in the business of house financing. In Pakistan, numerous commercial banks, whether private or state-owned, are engaged in the business of house financing like the Apna Ghar scheme of the Bank of Punjab (BoP). Other banks like UBL, HBL, and MCB also deal in providing financing plans for housing. An institution that stands out in this business and is purely devoted to this task, is the government House Building Finance Corporation (HBFC). Nonetheless, you may select any institution as per your preferences.

Step 2

Contact the selected institution and apply for the house financing scheme on the prescribed application form provided by the institution. You may be charged an application fee for this process. The institution would then normally demand the following documents from you:

Your Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC)
Your income certificate
Tax return of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)
Any other document specified in the requirements of the company you have chosen
Details of your present residential status.

Step 3

Once all required documents are verified and you are proven eligible, the institution provides you with a number of options. These are:

The institution provides you with a housing option as per your mentioned requirements.
You get to choose a house in any preferable area of the city and request the institution to handle extra payments on your behalf.
You can search for residential plots and construct your house on it as per your liking.

Step 4

The institution then appoints a team of professionals to determine your financial capacity. These teams usually gather details regarding your sources of income, financial resources, and whether you have taken any loans in the past. Once the institution is convinced that you are a trusted and qualified individual, they grant you the loan as per agreements. An advance amount of payment would then be paid by you in favor of the institution, which is termed as a down payment. The percentage of this down payment may vary amongst institutions. With the clearance of this fee, you will be provided with an installment plan which will provide you with details of what payments you will be making monthly, and for how long. If you fail to pay these installments, the bank holds the right to file legal action against you. Further details about legalities are mentioned under the Terms & Agreements section of the contract.

Pros and Cons of House Financing:

Pros

Home loans ensure that you become a homeowner despite the increasing rates of land and construction costs.
You can pay off the house loan in monthly installments in case the amount is lower than your monthly income. The duration over which the loan is to be paid can be chosen based on your age and the years left for your retirement.
You are subjected to receive income tax benefits. The amount of tax that has to be paid to the government is minimized as the money that you pay as interest, is deducted from the overall income tax value.

Cons

Even though the interest rate on a house loan is lower than other loans, you eventually end up paying significantly more than the amount you initially borrowed.
Another downside of house financing is long repayment periods.
You cannot possibly expect any profit.

Considering the aforementioned points, you can determine whether you can afford to borrow a house loan or not. If you do sign up for it, you should always look out for the consequences and risks involved in such dealings.

Why Buy Property in Islamabad

By Premierchoice,September 14, 2021December 19, 2022

Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is administered by the country’s Federal Government. Being an economic and diplomatic hub with a large population; Islamabad is an ideal place for standard living and a hotspot for new opportunities. Although it is often labeled as a boring city, such statements are not at all true. In fact, Islamabad enjoys having natural vistas which give the city its very own aesthetic. The capital has rapidly developed over the past few years making it a preferable property investment choice for many well-off families. Several organizations like CDA are working on the city’s development, and many other real estate projects in Islamabad are in the works. Furthermore, real estate developers like Premier Choice International are also planning future projects for further development and opportunities. Let’s dive into more details on what the capital city has to offer and what are the perks of investing in property here!

Access to basic services and resources

Being a relatively newer city than other cities of Pakistan, Islamabad is a well-planned city with the best infrastructure and access to amenities. Electricity, water, and gas supply are readily available in all areas of the city. Moreover, recreational community parks, hotels, restaurants, reputed educational institutes, hospitals and clinics, shopping malls, marketplaces, and fitness centers are widely spread across the city’s sectors. Real estate development projects continue to attract local and foreign investment with luxurious housing scheme projects like Bahria Enclave. All such gated housing societies promote a sense of community living. Being a well-organized city, Islamabad further has efficient transportation, sewerage, and a security system. In a nutshell, the city packs almost everything that its residents could possibly want for a relaxed and pleasant lifestyle.

Security and Safety

With a central and strategic geographical location, Islamabad is also considered a safer city in terms of security. Concerned authorities fully play their role in strictly maintaining law and order in the capital. Several populated areas have police check posts while the roads are patrolled by Islamabad Traffic Police 24/7. The Islamabad Safe City scheme is also introduced to strengthen the city’s overall security. The majority of the houses in residential blocks have CCTV systems and armed security guards present on-premises. This explains why the capital is also proven to have a lower crime rate when compared to other larger cities like Lahore and Karachi. Having more security and safety may allow industrialists to make the shift to Islamabad. Hence, the city has the potential to become a financial hub of the country in the near future.

Nature and Recreation

If you consider yourself a nature-lover, there is no other place like Islamabad for you. The city is surrounded by the picturesque Margalla Hills and engulfed in greenery. In case you have gained enough of the cultural and historical insights the landmarks provide, switch things up a little and connect yourself with nature. Either hike up the adventurous trails of Margalla Hills National Park and enjoy mother nature’s serenity or get awestruck by visiting the scenic viewpoints of Daman-e-Koh and Monal. The Margalla Hills National Park is also home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Due to the city’s higher altitude, the people of Islamabad get to experience pleasant weather throughout the year. Other locations where you can feel closer to nature include Islamabad’s Bird Aviary, Fatimah Jinnah Park, Shah Allah Ditta Caves, Lake View Park, and Rawal Lake. The city offers a serene, pollution-free environment that is free from the hustle and bustle of busy urban towns.

Gateway to Popular Tourist Destinations

Although tourist attractions are dotted around the entire capital, Pakistan’s Northern areas remain the most popular spots for tourism and traveling. Due to its central location, all traffic towards Northern areas has to pass through Islamabad, making it a busy gateway. However, due to the state-of-the-art infrastructure and well-maintained carpeted roads, the traffic flow is smooth. The expressway makes a drive to the hilly areas of Murree approximately 30 minutes in duration. Other destinations such as Swat, Naran Kaghan Valley, and Fairy Meadows are all easily accessible with Islamabad being the starting point. Several other hidden gems can also be found on the city outskirts, especially ahead of Monal Restaurant. These include waterfalls and springs like Neela Sandh, hillside cafes, and hilltop resorts like Highland and Whispering Pines. All these destinations allow you to plan a relaxing one-day trip to free up your mind on the weekends.

Return on Investments

As the capital continues on its path of development, the prices of residential and commercial plots increase alongside. Prices tend to go up for almost all types of properties. Sectors B-17 and D-12 are currently being developed and are already attracting a bunch of investments. The majority of these areas are bringing about a significant return on investments (ROI). In the long run, property prices are expected to be driven up further.

Considering all such factors, it can be undoubtedly said that Islamabad is one of the best places to live in Pakistan. It is continuing to become a sprawling modern city and attract investments.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Property Fraud

By Premierchoice,September 7, 2021December 19, 2022

Pakistan’s real estate industry has experienced growth trends in recent years, and it is expected to continue. Careers in real estate prove to be a highly profitable and reliable source of income. Therefore, property in Pakistan is a viable investment opportunity for people. Considering the fruitful outcomes, like many others, the thought of purchasing or investing in property may have also crossed your mind. However, achieving anything in such a competitive market brings along hurdles and challenges. Fraudsters and scammers are always on the hunt to deceive people through illegal means for the sake of personal gains. Regardless of whether you are looking to buy or invest in property, we at Premier Choice International can help you act smartly in order to avoid scams and save yourself from the nuisance of property fraud.

First, let’s get to know the common types of property fraud in Pakistan.

Forged Documents

This is the most common type of fraudulent activity that you might come across while dealing with property documentation. Bill copies, registration papers, etc. are commonly forged for unethical purposes. It is important to double-check all original documents and copies to confirm that they are stamped and verified. As an additional measure of assurance, legal services should be utilized to determine the authenticity and integrity of all property documents that are handed over to you or which require your signatures. Such documents should further not be shared with any third parties or on any digital/online platforms. A renowned real estate agent or experienced lawyer may be of help to you in this case.

Purchasing/Investing in Unseen Property

We all know that seeing is believing. When considering buying property, it is crucial for you to actually visit the location and see for yourself what you are buying. Online pictures, videos, posts, or similar claims should never be fully trusted. It is also important not to practice finalizing property deals on online web forums or social media platforms. Furthermore, closing the deal on phone calls or the internet, and making transactions is just the equivalent of shooting yourself in the foot. If you are browsing for property online, avoid clicking on suspicious links and ads which may redirect you to a malicious webpage. Online scams aimed to steal confidential data, like phishing, are also extremely common nowadays. Online Buy & Sell platforms are often used by sellers to post ads for different properties for sale or rent. Unverified listings are usually labeled with too good to be true prices and fake or edited images to attract potential buyers. Even if some ads are legitimate, these images used can be rendered with extra effects whereas the reality could differ. Similar indicators can be used to identify fake property listings. Thus, before making your final decision, always visit the property yourself and consider following any other proceedings in person.

Selling to More than One Client

Some scammers have now found a way to fill their pockets by selling the same piece of property to two or more clients at once. These individuals usually insist on having advance payments made in their favor by their potential clients. Once they receive a hefty sum of payments, all they do is simply run away. To avoid falling victim to such hoaxes, always deal with well-known real estate developers who have a strong work portfolio, such as Premier Choice International.

Untrusted Real Estate Agents and Sellers

This is yet another unfortunate scam that is getting increasingly common in Pakistan. Third parties or unverified companies pretend to be real estate agents, whereas they are just fraudsters with malicious intent. These so-called property sellers often make false price claims and list distorted details about what they are selling. In reality, they have no knowledge of the real estate market, and their sole aim would be to get advance payments from you. It is thus always a good idea to run a background check on the property agent you are working with. If their agency has an online website, you should have a look at their projects and online portfolio. You may also come across client reviews and testimonials on their website or social media channels to determine whether they can be trusted or not. As discussed above, you should keep an eye out for any suspicious details about property dealers and sellers who approach you. Before sharing any personal details or confidential data with these sellers, make sure you have met them in person. It is also a good idea to keep a copy of their CNIC and contact information before you finalize any deal.

Now that you are aware of fraudulent practices in Pakistan’s real estate market, make sure you visit an experienced, licensed, and renowned real estate agency when you are looking to buy, sell or rent a property.

These tips are guaranteed to significantly reduce the probability of you getting scammed. In case an offer attracts you, and you are looking forward to sealing the deal, make sure to keep the aforementioned points in mind. Else, you will simply be subjecting your hard-earned money to risk!

COVID-19 – Vaccines in Pakistan

By Premierchoice,August 21, 2021December 19, 2022

Undoubtedly, the entire world has fallen prey to the deadly coronavirus. It has caused severe setbacks globally in unusual ways leaving nations crumbling and fighting. Despite continuous efforts, the virus is on its way to surge again. Pakistan, initially being one of the few countries with the best response to the situation, is now surrounded by the risk of a fourth wave. Amidst these circumstances, vaccination is playing a much significant role in reducing the severity of this virus. Like other countries, Pakistan has started to vaccinate its population to uphold its fragile economy. A list of some approved vaccines includes AstraZeneca, Sputnik, Cansino, Moderna, Pfizer, Sinovac, and Sinopharm.

Why is Vaccination Important?

Though a variety of myths have come forward regarding the COVID vaccines, it is important to look for the truth and rule out the conspiracies. Here is why vaccination is necessary:

Helps to prevent the spread of the virus.
Protects you from getting affected severely.
Is safe and effective for everyone.
Can counter other variants.
Is an effective approach towards going back to normal?

A Closer Look at Some Common Vaccines Available in Pakistan

Given below is an account of the commonly available vaccines in Pakistan:

Cansino:

Cansino is a single-dose vaccine that is produced by the Chinese military and CanSino Biologics. As per the trials, this vaccine is 91% effective in averting serious illness and 65.7% effective in averting mild symptoms of the virus (Jajja, 2021).

Cansino vaccine is suitable for:

Pregnant as well as breastfeeding women.
People who are 18 and above.
People having health issues that can increase the risk of serious illness due to COVID.

However, the following people should refrain from getting this vaccine:

People with active Coronavirus.
People in their post-transplantation phase (they may receive it after 3 months of transplant.)
People having serious respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, and neurological illnesses.
Chronically immunosuppressed individuals may get administered, but the effect might be less.

Sinovac:

Sinovac or CoronaVac is an inactivated vaccine produced by a Chinese company, namely Sinovac Biotech. According to studies, Sinovac is 80% effective in averting the risk of death, 85% effective in averting serious illness, and 67% effective in averting mild symptoms.

Sinovac is suitable for the following:

Pregnant as well as breastfeeding women.
People aged 18 and above.
People having health issues that can increase the risk of serious illness due to COVID.

However, it must not be given to the following:

People with previous allergic reactions to Sinovac.
People under 18 years of age.
Individuals with serious neurological conditions.
People who are allergic to any of the ingredients of Sinovac or any other inactivated vaccine (WHO, 2021).

Sputnik:

Sputnik is developed by Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology in Russia. It is an adenovirus viral vector vaccine that makes use of a viral vector to deliver genetic code for an antigen in the recipient’s host cells. According to a study, Sputnik is 91.6% effective and each shot delivers one vector (Hewings-Martin, 2021).

Sputnik is suitable for the following:

Breastfeeding women.
Pregnant women but after with their doctors.
People aged 18 and above.
People having health issues that can increase the risk of serious illness due to COVID.

However, it should not be given to the following:

People with active coronavirus.
People who have had complications after the first dose of Sputnik.
People suffering from fever at the time of vaccination.

Sinopharm:

Sinopharm is another effective vaccine that is developed by the Beijing Institute of Biological Products (PrecisionVaccinations, 2021). This vaccine is 79.34% effective for COVID patients.

Sinopharm is suitable for:

Pregnant as well as breastfeeding women.
People aged 18 and above.
People having health issues that can increase the risk of serious illness due to COVID.

However, it is not advisable to give it to the following:

People suffering from fever at the time of vaccination.
People in their post-transplantation phase (they may receive it after 3 months of transplant).
People having serious respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, and neurological illnesses.
Chronically immunosuppressed individuals may get administered but the effect might be less.

All these vaccines are being given to people according to their health conditions. Several other vaccines like AstraZeneca, Pfizer, etc. have also been deemed top quality. They are the gateway to normalcy and sanity in the world once again.

So, what is holding you back from getting vaccinated?

Government Initiatives in Sustainable Tourism

By Premierchoice,August 7, 2021December 19, 2022

In many developing and underdeveloped countries around the world tourism is considered a prominent source of revenue. There are countless examples of how a strong tourism sector can contribute to the economic development of the country and its general socio-economic progress.

Pakistan enjoys a central location in Asia and is slowly becoming a favorite travel destination for tourists. The country is gifted with an illustrious history, natural landscapes, exceptional snow-capped peaks, and rich culture. Even though the tourism industry in the country is growing for the better, it is necessary for the government to take some steps to ensure that ecotourism is also practiced and promoted.

Theoretically, Pakistan is still a developing country and thus, not many policies have been formulated regarding sustainable tourism. However, some initiatives are still in progress e.g. relaxation in the country’s visa policy for foreign nationals.

The Pakistani government is collaborating with organizations like Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan (STFP) in hopes that the development of sustainable tourism would attract more investment in tourism-affiliated businesses in order for increased job creation. With the lockdowns subsiding, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) is further planning to open up an e-portal which would be a one-stop solution for tourists. It will provide them with facilities like virtual galleries, tourism videos, and details regarding the available services being offered at various tourism spots in Pakistan (PakistanToday, 2020). The PTDC is also working on a National Tourism Strategy for the 2020-2030 term which will provide a framework for Pakistan’s tourism sector. As a part of this strategy, several working groups would be formed to plan specific strategies as per their designated areas of operation, for example, ecotourism working groups, etc. (Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, n.d.). Moreover, the government is also preparing to conduct a World Tourism Forum to portray Pakistan’s tourism potential.

Other sustainable tourism initiatives include the KPK government’s anti-encroachment drive in the Kaghan Valley. This drive aims to clear out any illegal constructions in the area in order to recover various occupied sites in the region. Moreover, the Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) has further issued notifications to site owners prior to these anti-encroachment campaigns. Other illegal constructions in the surrounding areas have also been cleared to maintain the valley’s natural beauty.

As per the government’s Clean Green Initiative, activities that harm the ecosystem have also been banned in the area like motorboating, fishing, rafting, and the use of polythene bags (BusinessRecorder, 2021). Instead, more sustainable alternatives are being practiced such as the use of biodegradable plastics. Officials claim that PTI’s Billion Tree Tsunami Project and afforestation programs are also bearing fruitful results. Extra measures have also been taken by authorities, such as patrolling and monitoring for illegal activities in tourist areas that may possibly cause harm to nature.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has also launched the Travel Responsibility for Experiencing Eco-Tourism (TREK), which is a collaborative initiative between the KPK government, the World Bank, and Nestle. The program aims for conducting awareness campaigns related to sustainable tourism, responsible waste management, and recycling. The primary goal of the project is to promote sustainable tourism while ensuring the protection of the natural environment and tourist hotspot sites in the KPK region (BusinessRecorder, 2020). It is believed that the TREK initiative would assist in overcoming the challenges of waste management and land pollution to ensure maximum protection for the flora and fauna in tourist areas.

Surely, Pakistan has moved up significant ranks in being a worth-visiting destination amongst tourists. The government and NGOs have taken steps to promote responsible and sustainable tourism in the country. However, Pakistan still possesses lots of potential to further revitalize its tourism sector as there is still room for improvement in categories like security. Although ecotourism has just taken a start, if our citizens, the government, and NGOs put in collective efforts and act responsibly, Pakistan can undoubtedly emerge as a traveler’s heaven with ecotourism for local and foreign travelers.

Effect of rising temperatures on socio-economic structure of Pakistan

By Premierchoice,July 28, 2021December 19, 2022

Climate change is something that has become prevalent in today’s world as we witness the increase in not only the rate of greenhouse gas emissions but also natural disasters and heatwaves. It is no longer something abstract that we can pin on to the future generations as their problem. Instead, it has turned into something tangible and concrete that we are witnessing with our own eyes.

This constant climate change occurring around the globe begs the question: what do these climatic changes have to do with the socio-economic structure of Pakistan?

Why should we be worried about climate change?

There is no doubt that climate change impacts are not evenly distributed, where poorer nations face the greatest consequences of colonial and hegemonic actions. These nations will be the first to suffer due to their population’s increased reliance on natural resources such as water and ecosystems for their crop production and human health, while also lacking the effective strategies and resources needed to combat these climate changes efficiently.Despite these countries’ minor contribution to greenhouse gases emissions, they must face the costs of promoting and implementing various initiatives that are meant to help reduce the overall impact of climate change.

This can be proven by how despite the fact that Pakistan has only contributed about 0.8% of the total greenhouse gases emission, it still remains one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change (Qurat-ul-Ain, 2017). Climate change is expected to subject countries to negative impacts on food production and accessibility. Considering how Pakistan is a country known for mainly relying on its natural agricultural resources, it is concerning how the socio-economic structure present in the country withstands this issue as we are part of the developing countries where food insecurity already exists.

Climate change: more than just an environmental issue?

The effects of climate change can be seen through the increase of precipitation percentage over Pakistan, 25% to be exact (Qurat-ul-Ain, 2017), resulting in severe floods as well as droughts. By 2085, according to The Global Climate Change Impact Study Centre (GCISC), the average annual temperature in Pakistan is expected to rise by 4.3-4.9 Celsius (Akram, 2014). This increase in temperature is expected to be greater in the southern sections of the country than in the northern parts. This change in the rate of precipitation and temperature will cause negative effects on the agricultural production of the country with the likelihood of extreme weather events increasing. An increase in the occurrence of such extreme weather events will also result in causing damage to the infrastructure of Pakistan as it has been indicated that it is inadequate to face the issue and be able to maintain its strength even in earthquakes or floods.

Not only this but these natural disasters are anticipated to result in significant economic losses by destroying infrastructure and posing serious threats to food security. Pakistan has suffered enormous losses as a result of floods in recent years. These losses totaled more than $9.6 billion in 2010 and since then, five successive floods have cost more than US $25 billion in losses to agriculture, irrigation, public infrastructure, health, education, and other facilities (Sabahat Zahra, 2016).

Moreover, it is a well-known fact that the spread of viral and vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria are widespread in Asia and Africa. Keeping this in mind, due to the lack of education and health care facilities, extreme weather situations will result in not only an increased mortality rate amongst people but also an increase in water and respiratory diseases.

Add human behavior such as urbanization, increasing population, deforestation, and pollution to the already prevalent climate changes present in the country, and the result is as expected: reduced soil nutrients, soil erosion, depletion of natural water resources, desertification, and the decline of the gene pool variety which acted as a critical instrument in improving agricultural products.

Moving forward with climate change

In a study about the implications of climate change in Pakistan, the writers discuss how there are two key strategies when dealing with climate change: adaptation and mitigation. Sectors such as water resources, agriculture, livestock, biodiversity, disaster preparedness, fragile ecosystems, and socio-economic measures are believed to require policy interventions in terms of adaptation. Meanwhile, energy, transportation, agriculture, forestry, town planning, and waste management are considered as primary policy areas that need to be addressed under mitigation. The future of Pakistan is dependent on the guarantee that international adaptation and mitigation opportunities are available and used effectively.

At the end of the day collaboration between the government, research institutes, and international organizations is required if we want to find a way to move forward towards a better future despite the prevalent effects of climate change around us.

Tips and Tricks for New Landlords

By Premierchoice,July 14, 2021December 19, 2022

Success in a certain field requires knowledge and know-how as well as experience. Since experience comes with practice, the basic knowledge of a certain initiative is what makes a huge difference. Hence, below are various tips and tricks to guide those who are new landlords.

Awareness of the market

Always start off by gathering information about the market rates. You would not want to receive less rent than your house deserves just because you were not aware of the market value and the factors that count other than the conditions of the house. Factors like location and the basic facilities also matter.

Start by going slow on the pricing

When you are new to a certain domain, you always need to go slow and step by step. The goal, in the beginning, is not to take a leap but rather to eliminate all risks and achieve success. However small the success is, it makes room for growth, learning, and improvement. In addition, you must also set the rental price according to your income and expenses. You must estimate and calculate how much of an impact your rent is going to put on the monthly revenue of your family. Also keep in view that there is no use if you set a precise rent price and select tenants that delay payment. This is the reason that the incoming tip is an essential part of the process of being a landlord.

Screening of the tenants

Before handing out your house to your tenants, make sure to check their backgrounds. You should always consider asking for renter’s insurance or advance to ensure a solid agreement. Moreover, you must always keep a check on the kind of tenants that you are entrusting your house with, and should provide a few ground rules in order to ensure the good physical condition of the house.

Written agreement of rent

The rental agreement must always be a written agreement. This guarantees proof of the agreement along with the rules and regulations, if any, written in case of any future hurdles.

Written Records of Everything (Documenting)

You should prefer keeping written records of the collected rent each month. This helps to avoid confusion and also keep a check on the rent paid by your tenants.

Collect Rent Online and Increase Rent annually

Collecting the rent is a hassle-free solution to problems like crises, tragedies, conflicting timetables. This saves time and effort.

An annual increase of 3% to 5% in rent according to the market is also a practice in most cases. This happens according to the market conditions at the time when your agreement expires. One way you can compensate for this increase to your tenants is by changing or upgrading your house.

Communication and inspection of tenants

Communication is an essential part of being a landlord in order to ensure that the tenants are taking good care of the house. Tenants might also have requests or complaints regarding the house, which also requires communication. This way, you can schedule and arrange maintenance services for the house. An electrician, plumber, and carpenter should always be on speed dial in case of any inconveniences.

Inspection of the house is also vital. It ensures that your tenants are fulfilling all the requirements and following the rules that were set in the agreement. However, an important factor is to not just show up spontaneously as it may disturb the privacy and personal space of your tenants.

Property Manager Hiring

Hiring a property manager may save you a lot of effort and time. As a landlord, you have the legal responsibility to make your house a livable and comfortable space for your tenants and residents. Not only this but, being a landlord also makes you responsible for finding tenants. Since it is the job of a property manager to show available houses to clients according to their requirements, a property manager will save you this extra effort simply by doing the job.

Furthermore, in most cases, the property manager may also help you and your tenants come to a certain agreement regarding the rental prices and the set rules.

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