ISLAMABAD, November 8, 2026: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has identified tourism and sports as important contributors to Pakistan’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2035, calling for stronger provincial coordination and a national strategy to unlock the country’s tourism potential.
The minister highlighted these priorities during the Pakistan Tourism, Sports and Family Festival at the Islamabad Sports Complex, where the three-day event, which began on November 6, is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, November 8.
Speaking to the media during his visit to the festival, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan’s natural beauty, cultural diversity and hospitality offered significant opportunities for tourism-led economic growth.
He stressed the need to promote Pakistan internationally as a unified tourism destination, with provinces working together to attract visitors, encourage investment and strengthen tourism-related businesses.
The minister said developing tourism and sports could support employment, economic activity and Pakistan’s broader development objectives under the $1 trillion economy vision.
He described cultural and sporting festivals as important platforms for showcasing the country’s heritage, encouraging domestic tourism and bringing communities together.
The festival was inaugurated on November 6 by Ahsan Iqbal alongside Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Managing Director Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana.
Featuring cultural stalls from across the provinces, the event showcases traditional cuisines, regional handicrafts, local products and Pakistan’s diverse cultural traditions.
The three-day programme also includes sports competitions, musical performances, concerts, flying lanterns and fireworks, offering recreational activities for families and visitors.
As the festival reaches its final day, the event highlights opportunities to promote Pakistan’s tourism industry while supporting the government’s long-term economic ambitions.