Pakistan's largest tourism festival has opened in Islamabad, bringing three days of culture, sport and family entertainment to the capital as the government presents tourism as a pillar of its plan to build a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2035.

The Pakistan Tourism, Sports and Family Festival kicked off on Friday 6 November at the Pakistan Sports Complex, and runs until Sunday 8 November. Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated the event alongside Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana, managing director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC).

Stalls from every province

The festival features cultural stalls representing all four provinces, showcasing distinctive heritage, traditions, food and handicrafts. Traditional Pakistani food, products from well-known brands and crafts made by artisans from across the country are among the main attractions.

Adventure activities include paragliding demonstrations, rock climbing, tent pegging, a car show and hot air balloon rides, alongside a marathon and cycling events. The programme also includes musical evenings, concerts, flying lanterns and fireworks, with family entertainment running throughout the three days.

A bigger second edition

Organisers expect around 150,000 people to visit over the three days. The festival is the second edition of the event; the first, held on 31 January and 1 February this year at the Jinnah Sports Complex and F-9 Park, drew thousands of families and diplomatic representatives from several countries, according to the PTDC.

Speaking at the opening, Mr Iqbal said Pakistan had vast opportunities in tourism and that the hospitality of its people distinguished the country internationally. He said tourism would serve as an important pillar in achieving the vision of a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2035, and stressed better coordination among the provinces to promote tourism and sports.