ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the preparation of a comprehensive and actionable plan to promote both domestic and international tourism, tapping into Pakistan’s vast and underexplored tourism potential.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister’s House, PM Shehbaz highlighted the country’s diverse natural beauty—snow-covered peaks, lush forests, flowing rivers, golden deserts, and a vibrant coastline—alongside its status as home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations. He stressed the need to showcase this heritage to the world through improved infrastructure and hospitality services.
The Prime Minister emphasized prioritizing scenic destinations such as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, instructing authorities to develop modern infrastructure, efficient transportation links, and high-quality recreational facilities. He called for a swift action plan to boost tourism in Islamabad, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan, including short-term, practical projects.
Shehbaz Sharif also underscored the importance of constructing world-class hotels, resorts, and other facilities in northern areas to attract both local and international visitors, ensuring all development is environmentally sustainable in light of climate change concerns.
He further called for revitalizing the National Tourism Coordination Board (NTCB) to strengthen nationwide coordination, requesting a detailed briefing on its restructuring.
During the meeting, Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Tourism, Sardar Yasir Ilyas, presented proposals to expand the tourism sector’s share in GDP, develop 20 new tourist destinations, and promote religious and medical tourism. He also announced that a National Tourism Expo and Investment Conference will soon take place in Islamabad to attract investors and promote Pakistan as a global tourism hotspot.
Recent tourism events, including the successful Mango Festival 2025 in Multan in collaboration with Nawaz Sharif Agricultural University, were also reviewed.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Shaza Fatima, Hanif Abbasi, Aurangzeb Khichi, PM’s Advisors Rana Sanaullah and Dr. Tauqir Shah, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Huzefa Rehman, and other senior officials.
