Pakistan Tourism, Sports & Family Festival Successfully Launched in Capital*
Islamabad, : Pakistan Tourism, Sports & Family Festival 2026, organized by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) in collaboration with the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Provincial Tourism Departments and public and private sector stakeholders, was successfully launched today with inaugural activities held at F-9 Park followed by the main festivities at the Jinnah Sports Complex.
The Festival formally commenced in the morning at F-9 Park, where the Tent Pegging Competition was inaugurated by Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, National Advisor/Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism. The event attracted a large audience and witnessed the presence of diplomats and cultural representatives from Türkiye, Indonesia, Nepal, Nigeria, Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Myanmar and Saudi Arabia, reflecting strong international interest and cultural exchange.
In the afternoon, the celebrations moved to the Jinnah Sports Complex, where a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) in collaboration with the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), and inaugurated by Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan along with distinguished diplomats and guests. Following the ceremony, the guests witnessed vibrant cultural performances on stage and interacted with artists representing different regions of Pakistan.
The visiting delegations and dignitaries then toured the Festival venue and visited various thematic zones and arenas, including the Family Arena, Kids’ Arena, Food Arena, Cultural and Handicrafts Stalls, Medical Tourism Promotion Zone, and Provincial Tourism Pavilions. All Provincial Tourism Departments and tourism stakeholders actively participated, showcasing Pakistan’s diverse tourism offerings.
Adventure and recreational activities further added to the excitement, with paragliding demonstrations and hot air balloon displays creating a colorful and festive atmosphere. The arrival of guests at the Sports Complex in double-decker buses arranged by the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) added to the celebratory spirit of the day.
The first day concluded with lively cultural and musical performances, culminating in an energetic evening performance by the Monal Dance Group and a musical concert, which drew a large crowd of families and visitors.
Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan appreciated the coordinated efforts of IPC, PTDC, provincial governments, and partners, stating that the Festival presents Pakistan as a welcoming, family-friendly, and culturally rich tourism destination.
Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana, Managing Director PTDC, noted that the strong public turnout and enthusiastic participation clearly demonstrate the growing interest in domestic tourism and cultural events, adding that the Festival has successfully created a positive and vibrant image of Pakistan.
Pakistan Tourism, Sports & Family Festival 2026 will continue tomorrow, 01 February 2026, with a full schedule of cultural performances, sports activities, family attractions, and tourism promotions.
The public is warmly invited to attend and be part of this grand national celebration.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
