Pakistan Tourism, Sports & Family Festival 2026 Launched in Islamabad – Promoting a Welcoming and Vibrant Destination

The Pakistan Tourism, Sports & Family Festival 2026 was successfully inaugurated today in the federal capital, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage, diverse tourism offerings, and family-friendly appeal to both domestic and international audiences.
Organized by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) in collaboration with the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), provincial tourism departments, and public-private sector partners, the festival began with a tent pegging competition at F-9 Park in the morning. The event was formally inaugurated by Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, National Advisor/Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism.

The opening attracted a large crowd and featured the participation of diplomats and cultural representatives from Türkiye, Indonesia, Nepal, Nigeria, Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Myanmar, and Saudi Arabia — underlining growing international interest in Pakistan’s tourism potential.
In the afternoon, festivities shifted to the Jinnah Sports Complex for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan alongside distinguished guests and diplomats. Visitors enjoyed live cultural performances representing different regions of Pakistan, followed by tours of various thematic zones:
Family Arena
Kids’ Arena
Food Arena
Cultural and Handicrafts Stalls
Medical Tourism Promotion Zone
Provincial Tourism Pavilions
All provincial tourism departments actively participated, highlighting Pakistan’s diverse attractions from mountains and valleys to deserts, heritage sites, and coastal areas.
Adventure elements added excitement with paragliding demonstrations and hot air balloon displays, while guests arrived in style aboard double-decker buses arranged by the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP).
The first day concluded with vibrant cultural shows, a performance by the Monal Dance Group, and a lively musical concert that drew enthusiastic crowds of families and visitors.
Speaking at the event, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan praised the collaborative efforts of IPC, PTDC, provincial governments, and partners, stating:
“This festival presents Pakistan as a welcoming, family-friendly, and culturally rich tourism destination. We are committed to building a positive global image and encouraging both domestic and international visitors.”
Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana, Managing Director of PTDC, highlighted the strong public turnout and said:
“The enthusiastic participation clearly shows growing interest in domestic tourism and cultural events. The festival has successfully created a vibrant and positive image of Pakistan.”
The Pakistan Tourism, Sports & Family Festival 2026 continues tomorrow, February 1, 2026 (Sunday), with a full day of cultural performances, sports activities, family attractions, adventure displays, and tourism promotion stalls.
The public is warmly invited to attend this grand national celebration at the Jinnah Sports Complex and experience the diversity and hospitality of Pakistan.