Islamabad: Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Friday announced that Pakistan’s largest ever Tourism Sports and Family Festival will commence today (Saturday) at the Pakistan Sports Complex, marking a major step toward reviving and mainstreaming the country’s tourism sector after years of neglect.
Addressing a press conference Sardar Yasir Ilyas said the mega festival would open a new chapter for tourism in Pakistan and would later be replicated in other provinces.He said the festival would feature food, games, handicrafts and jewelry stalls while cultures of all four provinces Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir would be showcased.
He added that the initiative was aligned with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision to develop tourism as a full-fledged industry noting that Pakistan holds immense untapped tourism potential.
Providing details of adventure sports he said paragliding from the Margalla Hills, air ballooning, power gliding, tent pegging cycling and a marathon with a prize of Rs100 000 would be key attractions.
Top paragliders from across the country will participate flying from Margalla Hills and landing at the Cricket Ground near the Sports Complex. A dedicated area has been designated for photography and spectators. He said over 300 vintage cars and classic motorcycles would be displayed along with rallies while rock climbing and zip lining activities would be arranged for youth and children.
