By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tourism, Sports, and Family Festival 2026 was officially launched at F-9 Park by the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Tourism, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, marking the beginning of a multi-day celebration showcasing Pakistan’s cultural, recreational, and tourism potential.
Organized by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), provincial tourism departments, and public and private sector partners, the festival opened with tent pegging competitions and was attended by diplomats and cultural representatives from Turkey, Indonesia, Nepal, Nigeria, Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, reflecting strong international interest and cultural exchange.
In the afternoon, the events moved to the Jinnah Sports Complex, where a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held with participation from international guests and diplomats. Attendees toured various sections of the festival, including the Family Arena, Kids Arena, Food Arena, Cultural and Handicraft Stalls, Medical Tourism Promotion Zone, and Provincial Tourism Pavilions. Provincial tourism departments and organizations highlighted Pakistan’s diverse tourism attractions, while adventure activities such as paragliding and hot air balloon displays added excitement to the event. Guests also enjoyed special double-decker bus arrivals provided by the Punjab Tourism Development Corporation (TDCP).
The first day concluded with a cultural and musical extravaganza, featuring performances by the Monal Dance Group and a musical concert. Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan praised the coordinated efforts of IPC, PTDC, provincial governments, and partners, emphasizing that the festival effectively presents Pakistan as a welcoming, culturally rich, and tourist-friendly destination.
Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana, Managing Director of PTDC, highlighted the enthusiastic public participation, stating that the festival reflects growing interest in tourism and cultural activities and will successfully showcase a positive and vibrant image of Pakistan.
The festival will continue on Sunday with more cultural performances, sports activities, family entertainment, and tourism promotions.
#PakistanTourismFestival #IslamabadEvents #TourismAndSports #FamilyFestival2026 #CulturalShowcase #PTDC #AdventureActivities #TentPegging #ParaglidingPakistan #HotAirBalloon #CulturalPerformances #PakistaniCulture #TourismPromotion #FamilyFun #FoodAndCulture #InternationalGuests #TourismInPakistan #SportsAndCulture #VisitPakistan #FestivalVibes
