ISLAMABAD: 20 Oct 2025 – The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the Committee for Tourism Development under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in Islamabad, the Embassy of Pakistan in Dushanbe and PATO successfully organized the 1st Virtual Tourism Forum between Pakistan and Tajikistan on 20th October 2025.The forum aimed to strengthen bilateral tourism cooperation and promote B2B linkages between the tourism sectors of both countries.
The session was moderated by Ms. Sadia Nauman, Manager (P&P), PTDC and opened with welcome remarks by Mr. Aftab Ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director, PTDC who highlighted Pakistan’s diverse tourism potential, breathtaking natural landscapes, adventure tourism opportunities and rich cultural heritage.
He emphasized that Pakistan is keen to expand tourism cooperation with Central Asian countries, especially Tajikistan, through digital connectivity, cultural exchanges and joint promotional initiatives.
The opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism, Mr. Juma Khonzoda Jamshed Jurakhon, Chairman, Committee for Tourism Development under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Mr. Muhammad Saeed Sarwar, Ambassador of Pakistan to Tajikistan and H.E. Mr. Yusuf Sharifzoda, Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan.
All speakers highlighted the strong cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Tajikistan and the potential for deeper collaboration in tourism development, capacity building and joint promotional activities.
The forum witnessed active participation from tour operators and tourism experts from both sides. From Pakistan, key participants included Mr. Zahir Hussain, Vice Chairman, Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO); Mr. Mubarak Hussain, President, Hunza Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry; Ms. Sadaf Khalid, CEO, Silk Road Enterprises, Mr. Zia ulhaq, Ahu Travel and Tourism, Mr. Haris Ali Shah, Adventure Planner, Mr. Saeed Akbar from Travel Asia Adventures, Mr. Sajid Mughal, A K International, and Mr. Muhammad Ali from TDAP.
PTDC did not invite any journalist who have traveled to Tajikistan from Pakistan for participation in the forum. There are many journalists who have worked on the potential of tourism between the two countries. They are known by PTDC and can be easily approched but ……………..
From Tajikistan, notable attendees included Mr. Salimzoda Ziyadulla from Tourism Committee of Tajkistan, Mr. Avazkhon Boboev, Bunyod Tour, Mr. Ziodubo, Representative, Tajikistan Tourism Committee; Mr. Eraj, Tourism Development Expert, Ms. Qurbonova Umeda and Mr. Eraj Alam, CEO, Travelogics Pakistan
Discussions focused on developing joint Silk Route, adventure, cultural and pilgrimage tourism packages, improving air connectivity between Islamabad and Dushanbe and organizing information tours and roadshows for tour operators from both sides.
The participants emphasized the need to strengthen people-to-people contact, organize cultural and academic exchanges and explore medical and eco-tourism collaborations.
It was proposed that a Pakistan–Tajikistan WhatsApp network group will be created for continuous coordination between the tour operators of both countries.
The forum also discussed the participation of Tajikistan’s delegation in Pakistan Travel Mart (PTM) 2026 and the organization of a Silk Road Festival in Islamabad in 2026 with official representation from Tajikistan’s tourism sector.
Both sides expressed their commitment to working together for the revival of Islamabad–Dushanbe direct flights and to explore joint promotional opportunities under the theme “From Pamir to Karakoram – One Region, One People.”
Mr. Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism, in his closing remarks, appreciated the initiative taken by PTDC to connect Pakistan and Tajikistan tourism forum through this digital platform. He emphasized that tourism can serve as a strong catalyst for economic growth and people-to-people connectivity between the two brotherly countries.
He highlighted the Government of Pakistan’s vision to strengthen regional tourism linkages, promote investment in the hospitality sector and develop joint tourism products along the historic Silk Route.
Mr. Yasir further suggested the organization of a Pakistan Tourism Roadshow in Dushanbe, featuring both public and private sector participation, to promote Pakistan’s adventure, cultural and religious tourism offerings in the Tajik market. He reaffirmed the government’s continued support to PTDC and TDAP in expanding Pakistan’s outreach to Central Asia through collaborative tourism initiatives.
The forum concluded with mutual appreciation and a shared vision to promote tourism-driven economic growth, enhance bilateral linkages and deepen cultural and regional integration between Pakistan and Tajikistan.
