Islamabad (Urdu Times) Pakistan Tourism, Sports, and Family Festival 2026 was launched and inaugurated by the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Tourism.

Islamabad (Urdu Times): Organized by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), provincial tourism departments, and public and private sector partners, the Pakistan Tourism Sports and Family Festival 2026 has begun. The festival was formally launched at F-9 Park, where the tent pegging competitions were inaugurated by the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Tourism, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan. Diplomats and cultural representatives from Turkey, Indonesia, Nepal, Nigeria, Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia participated in the event, which is a strong reflection of international interest and cultural exchange. In the afternoon, the events moved to the Jinnah Sports Complex, where a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) and the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), which was inaugurated by Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan along with international diplomats and guests. Later, the guests and delegations visited various sections and theme zones of the festival, including the Family Arena, Kids Arena, Food Arena, Cultural and Handicraft Stalls, Medical Tourism Promotion Zone, and Provincial Tourism Pavilions. All provincial tourism departments and tourism-related organizations participated enthusiastically and highlighted the diverse tourism potential of Pakistan. Adventure and recreational activities further enhanced the festival’s charm, with paragliding demonstrations and hot air balloon displays adding to the colourful and beautiful atmosphere. The arrival of guests in double-decker buses by the Punjab Tourism Development Corporation (TDCP) also made the day’s celebrations more memorable. The first day of the festival concluded with a spectacular cultural and musical performance, including a performance by the Monal Dance Group and a musical concert. Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan lauded the coordinated and joint efforts of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, provincial governments, and partners, saying that the festival effectively showcases Pakistan as a welcoming and culturally rich tourist destination. Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana, Managing Director of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, said that the strong participation and enthusiasm of the public is clear proof that public interest in the country’s tourism and cultural activities is increasing significantly, and this festival will prove successful in presenting a positive, vibrant, and attractive image of Pakistan. The Pakistan Tourism, Sports and Family Festival will continue on Sunday and will include cultural performances, sports activities, family entertainment, and tourism promotions.