Islamabad: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has advocated for the creation of an autonomous Pakistan Tourism Authority to enhance tourism nationwide. This proposal was made during a meeting with Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, where Iqbal emphasized the importance of projecting Pakistan as a unified tourism destination internationally.

According to Radio Pakistan, Iqbal highlighted the necessity of including representatives from all four provinces in the proposed authority to coordinate tourism activities at the national level. He stated that Pakistan is endowed with natural beauty and rich tourism resources, and that a strategic approach and institutional collaboration are crucial to harnessing the country’s tourism potential.

The meeting, which was briefed by the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Tourism, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, also covered the measures taken to promote tourism in Pakistan and the achievements expected by 2025-26. Participants discussed the importance of establishing effective national-level institutions to advance tourism and sports, along with improving coordination among provinces.

Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan announced that a three-day Pakistan Tourism, Sports and Family Festival 2026, supported by private sector sponsorships, will commence in Islamabad. The festival will feature tourism and recreational activities at various locations, including Lake View Park.