Islamabad (GNP): The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), under the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), officially flagged off the Pakistan–Poland Friendship Cycle Expedition 2026 from the Front Parking Area of Faisal Mosque, Islamabad.
The expedition features Sławomir Jan Strzelczyk, a distinguished Polish adventure cyclist, who has embarked on a remarkable 1,390-kilometre cycling journey from Islamabad to Khunjerab Pass. The expedition symbolizes the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Poland while promoting adventure tourism, sustainable travel, environmental awareness and cultural exchange.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Managing Director, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana, representatives of the Pakistan Cycling Federation, Islamabad Cycling Association, tourism stakeholders, media representatives, and cycling enthusiasts.
Addressing the gathering, Managing Director PTDC, Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana, stated that Pakistan possesses immense potential for adventure and cycling tourism. He highlighted PTDC’s continued efforts to promote the country’s diverse tourism attractions through international collaborations and initiatives that project Pakistan as a safe, welcoming, and world-class destination for adventure enthusiasts. He noted that expeditions such as this strengthen tourism diplomacy and further reinforce the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Poland.
Before commencing his journey, Sławomir Jan Strzelczyk expressed his gratitude to the Government of Pakistan, PTDC, and the people of Pakistan for their warm welcome and exceptional hospitality.
He shared his excitement about exploring Pakistan’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage through this expedition. Strzelczyk also stated that while he is undertaking this year’s expedition independently, he intends to return in the future with a larger group of cyclists from Poland so that more adventure enthusiasts can experience Pakistan’s spectacular mountain routes and tourism destinations.
Mohammad Saleh, the tour operator and expedition coordinator accompanying the cyclist throughout the journey, briefed participants on the expedition route and objectives.
He highlighted Pakistan’s immense potential for adventure tourism and emphasized that the expedition aims to showcase the country’s natural beauty, cultural diversity and world-renowned hospitality to international audiences.
The expedition was ceremonially flagged off from the Front Parking Area of Faisal Mosque, Islamabad, where members of the Pakistan Cycling Federation and Islamabad Cycling Association accompanied Sławomir Jan Strzelczyk on the opening stretch of the ride as a gesture of friendship, unity, and support. Following the symbolic escort, the federation cyclists concluded their participation, while Strzelczyk, accompanied by Mohammad Saleh, continued independently towards Abbottabad, marking the first stage of the historic 1,390-kilometre journey along the legendary Karakoram Highway.
Over the coming days, the expedition will pass through Abbottabad, Besham, Chilas, Gilgit, Hunza, Gulmit, Passu, and Sost before reaching Khunjerab Pass, one of the world’s highest international border crossings.
Through this remarkable journey, the expedition is expected to highlight Pakistan’s unparalleled mountain scenery, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality while encouraging international cyclists and adventure travellers to visit the country.
The Pakistan–Poland Friendship Cycle Expedition 2026 reflects PTDC’s continued commitment to promoting adventure tourism, strengthening international tourism partnerships, and positioning Pakistan as one of the world’s leading destinations for cycling, mountain, and eco-tourism.
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The ceremony concluded with the symbolic flag-off, group photographs, and media interaction, as participants wished Sławomir Jan Strzelczyk a safe, successful, and memorable journey across Pakistan.
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.
