ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): A two-day Islamabad tourism festival will start tomorrow, January 31, at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad, showcasing and reviving the country’s tourism sector.
Addressing a press conference today, Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Tourism, Sardar Yasir Ilyas, announced that Pakistan’s largest-ever Tourism, Sports and Family Festival will commence on Saturday in Islamabad.
Yasir Ilyas said the mega festival would open a new chapter for tourism in Pakistan and would later be replicated in other provinces.
He termed the event a first-of-its-kind initiative in the federal capital, designed as a fully family-friendly festival with activities for children, youth, and tourists from all walks of life.
The government has announced free entry for families, and assured that the event will be family and women-friendly.
Islamabad tourism festival
The festival will feature food, games, handicrafts, and jewelry stalls, while cultures of all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, will be showcased.
Moreover, citizens can also enjoy adventure sports at the festival, including hot air balloons, power gliding, tent pegging, cycling, and a marathon with a prize of Rs 100,000.
Top paragliders from across the country will do paragliding from the Margalla Hills to the Cricket Ground at Islamabad Sports Complex.
Furthermore, over 300 vintage cars and classic motorcycles would be displayed, along with rallies, while rock climbing and zip-lining activities would be arranged for youth and children.
Pakistan’s leading mountaineers will also be present to guide young participants and promote adventure tourism in collaboration with the Alpine Club and other partners. Pakistan’s medical tourism will also be showcased at the festival.
Sardar Yasir said all of the activities of the festival will be held at Pakistan Sports Complex, except the tent pegging, which will be held at F-9 Park.
In addition to that, the musical performances will also entertain families on both days of the festival. Singers Umair Awan and Umer Khayali will perform on January 31, while Annie Khalid and Jimmy Khan will sing on February 1.
Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Aftab ur Rehman Rana, said PTDC had launched a national tourism calendar under which more than 50 events would be organized across the country.
He said Islamabad was being developed as a gateway city, with strong potential for adventure, sports, medical, recreational, and cultural tourism, which could significantly contribute to economic growth.
