ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has called for the establishment of an autonomous Pakistan Tourism Authority, with representation from all four provinces, to strengthen national coordination and promote Pakistan as a unified tourism destination internationally.
He made these remarks during a meeting on Thursday with Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, where the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Tourism, Sardar Ayaz, briefed the participants on initiatives to promote tourism in Pakistan and achievements during 2025–26.
The meeting discussed the need for effective national-level institutional mechanisms to promote tourism and sports, along with stronger coordination among the provinces.
Ahsan Iqbal emphasised that Pakistan must develop a coordinated national strategy to unlock its immense tourism potential and effectively showcase its natural beauty and diverse tourism resources to the world.
He said institutional cooperation and an effective policy framework were essential to harnessing the country’s tourism opportunities and strengthening its position as an international tourist destination.
During the meeting, Sardar Ayaz announced that the Pakistan Tourism, Sports and Family Festival 2026 would be held in Islamabad on November 6, 7 and 8. A range of tourism and recreational activities will be organised at various locations across the capital, including Lake View Park, he said.
He added that sponsorships had also been secured from the private sector to support the organisation of the festival.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026