ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for the formulation of a comprehensive and actionable plan to enhance both domestic and international tourism in Pakistan, emphasising the country’s vast untapped tourism potential.

The prime minister, chairing a meeting on tourism, directed authorities to swiftly draft an action plan to promote tourism in Islamabad, Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

“Pakistan is immensely blessed by nature,” he said. “From snow-covered mountains and lush forests to rivers, deserts, and a vibrant coastline, our country holds a unique and significant place in the world.”

PM Shehbaz said the country is home to one of the world’s oldest civilisations and that its heritage must be showcased to the world through better infrastructure and hospitality.

He stressed the importance of attracting tourists to scenic regions with modern infrastructure, efficient transport and high-standard recreational facilities.

Urges climate-conscious development of infrastructure to attract tourists

The premier instructed relevant ministries to develop practical, short-term tourism projects and called for a strategic plan to build top-quality hotels and resorts in northern regions.

He advised that all new construction must consider the impacts of climate change to ensure environmentally sustainable development.

PM Shehbaz also requested a detailed briefing on revitalising the National Tourism Coordination Board to support national-level coordination.

During the meeting, the prime minister’s coordinator on tourism, Sardar Yasir Ilyas, outlined several proposals to elevate Pakistan’s tourism sector.

The initiatives aim to increase the number of foreign tourists, develop 20 new tourist destinations and make tourism a significant contributor to the GDP.

The plans also include leveraging the potential of religious and medical tourism.

It was announced that a National Tourism Expo and Investment Conference will be held soon in Islamabad to attract investors.

The meeting also reviewed recent tourism initiatives, including the successful Mango Festival 2025 held in Multan in collaboration with Nawaz Sharif Agricultural University.

NRKNA appointments

Separately, PM Shehbaz appointed six members to the National Rahmatul-lil-Aalameen Wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority (NRKNA) for three-year, honorary terms.

According to a notification from the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, the new members are Dr Farooq Adil, Dr Azizur Rehman, Zafar Mahmood Malik, Dr Farkhunda Zia, Allama Arif Hussain Wahidi and Dr Qibla Ayaz. Scholar Khurshid Nadeem is the authority’s chairman.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2025