Islamabad:Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has emphasized the necessity of establishing an autonomous Pakistan Tourism Authority to enhance tourism promotion throughout the country. He made this assertion during a meeting with Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, Ahsan Iqbal proposed that the Pakistan Tourism Authority should incorporate representatives from all four provinces and manage tourism activities at a national level. He highlighted the importance of presenting Pakistan as a cohesive tourism destination on the international stage.

The Minister pointed out Pakistan’s wealth of natural beauty and its rich tourism resources, noting that an effective strategy and institutional collaboration are crucial to unlocking the country’s substantial tourism potential.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Tourism, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, provided a briefing on the initiatives undertaken to boost tourism in Pakistan and the progress achieved during 2025-26. The discussion also covered the need for establishing effective national-level institutions to promote tourism and sports, as well as improving coordination among the provinces.

Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan announced the organization of a three-day Pakistan Tourism, Sports, and Family Festival 2026 in Islamabad, set to begin tomorrow. This festival is receiving sponsorship support from the private sector and will feature tourism and recreational activities at various venues across the capital, including Lake View Park.