The International Silk Route Festival 2026 opened on October 24 at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad, bringing together diplomats, government officials, tourism professionals, business leaders and international delegates to promote tourism, trade and cultural exchange.
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Organised by Silk Route Enterprises in collaboration with the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), the festival aims to strengthen regional partnerships and highlight Pakistan’s tourism potential and cultural heritage.
The event is being held with the support of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, provincial tourism departments and private-sector stakeholders. It also provides a platform for youth and international participants to explore opportunities for cooperation across the historic Silk Route region.
PM’s Adviser Highlights Pakistan’s Tourism Potential
Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Tourism and chief guest at the festival, highlighted Pakistan’s potential for tourism, trade and investment across the Silk Route region.
He appreciated the organisers’ efforts and proposed establishing a dedicated task force to promote regional cooperation. The proposed initiative would bring together government institutions, private-sector representatives and international partners to coordinate efforts and develop stronger regional connections.
PTDC Chief Emphasises Cultural and Economic Partnerships
Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, highlighted Pakistan’s diverse tourism attractions, rich cultural heritage and strategic geographical location.
He emphasised the importance of international tourism cooperation to attract more visitors and strengthen economic and cultural partnerships with other countries.
Pakistan’s location provides opportunities to build connections with neighbouring and regional countries through tourism, cultural exchange and business collaboration.
Festival Aims to Revive the Spirit of the Ancient Silk Route
Silk Route Enterprises directors Sadaf Khalid, Mian Hashim Masood and Prince Shehryar Khan welcomed the distinguished guests and international delegations attending the festival.
The organisers said the festival seeks to revive the spirit of the ancient Silk Route by strengthening Pakistan’s connections with Central Asian countries and fostering relationships with the wider international community.
Through tourism, trade and cultural activities, the festival aims to encourage greater engagement among countries linked by shared history and regional interests.
International Participation Strengthens Cultural Diplomacy
Diplomatic representatives and international delegates from Sri Lanka and Malaysia also participated in the event, adding an international dimension to the festival.
Their participation highlighted the role of cultural events in promoting cross-cultural understanding, building diplomatic relationships and encouraging cooperation among countries.
The International Silk Route Festival 2026 serves as a platform for bringing together public- and private-sector stakeholders to explore opportunities in tourism, trade and cultural diplomacy, while showcasing Pakistan’s heritage and regional connectivity.
