Author: holidayweekly

ISLAMABAD: The International Silk Route Festival commenced on 24th October at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Islamabad, organised by Silk Route Enterprises in collaboration with Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) under the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, alongside provincial tourism departments and private-sector stakeholders, bringing together distinguished diplomats, government officials, tourism representatives, business entrepreneurs, sponsors, youth, exhibitors, and international delegates to celebrate Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and promote regional cooperation through tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. The festival was organised by the directors of Silk Road Enterprises, Ms. Sadaf Khalid Khan, Mian Hashim Masood, and Prince Shehryar Khan,…

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka has reinforced its ambitions to emerge as a leading international destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), as the sixth edition of SL MICE Expo 2026 brought together international buyers, tourism professionals, media representatives and local industry stakeholders in a major initiative to expand the island nation’s global business tourism footprint. Organised by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), the multi-day event concluded after an intensive programme of business networking, destination promotion, professional discussions and cultural engagement, demonstrating Sri Lanka’s determination to convert its exceptional tourism assets into sustainable international business opportunities. More than 120 hosted…

By: Lt Gen (R) Sardar Hasan Azhar HayatMD Pakistan Land Port AuthorityEx. MD Green Tourism Pvt. Ltd On a beautiful Sunday morning, decided to join a group called Hikers Friend Islamabad. There are two groups active in Islamabad both were initially one but separated the other is Hikers Friends Pakistan. Social media has made it easy to track their activities. Today was also World Tourism day (September 27), such is importance to this important economic factor that we mostly even don’t know this and are focused on non-issues. Marshalling was six in morning meaning you have to travel post namaz.…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is preparing for a significant fleet expansion with the planned addition of two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners under an ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) lease agreement signed with Norway-based Norse Atlantic Airways. The agreement marks a new chapter in PIA’s expansion strategy, with the state-of-the-art aircraft expected to join the airline’s fleet next month. The move is aimed at increasing capacity on long-haul routes and strengthening direct air links between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. A PIA spokesperson said the introduction of the Dreamliners reflects the new administration’s commitment to modernising operations, improving passenger services…

On the occasion of World Tourism Day 2026, I extend my greetings to the people of Pakistan, the global tourism community and all those who travel to discover new places, cultures and communities. This year’s theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”, draws attention to the changes that technology and artificial intelligence are bringing to the way people plan their journeys, discover destinations and experience different cultures. We must ensure that these changes remain responsible, inclusive and beneficial to people and communities. Pakistan has a remarkable diversity of landscapes and experiences, from the mountains of the north and…

On the occasion of World Tourism Day today, I pay tribute to the spirit of exploration, curiosity, and passion for travel among tourists and all those associated with the tourism sector in Pakistan and around the world. Beautiful natural landscapes, ancient historical monuments, cultural heritage, and diverse cultural traditions are among the fundamental attractions that drive tourism. By the grace of Allah Almighty, Pakistan holds immense potential in the tourism sector, with its breathtaking natural scenery, rich cultural and civilizational heritage, and historical and religious sites. The government is working to promote domestic tourism, improve tourism infrastructure, and create employment…

Message From Ch. Faisal Mahmood
Chief Editor, Holiday Weekly

By:Lt Gen (R) Sardar Hasan Azhar Hayat MD Pakistan Land Port Authority Ex. MD Green Tourism Pvt. Ltd Out of my office routine, it’s not easy to pursue what you want to, but one can’t hold back passion. On a Sunday morning, I planned to visit Aziz Dheri in District Swabi and Rani Ghat in Buner—two iconic Buddhist sites, less visited compared to those in the Taxila region and Takht-i-Bahi in Mardan. For those who have less knowledge of Buddhism, it is fascinating to know that primarily the Mahayana school of thought originated in what is Pakistan today, not India.…

KARACHI: (Report–M. Rizwan Sami) By Sindh’s rich culinary heritage, rooted in the ancient Indus Valley Civilization and enriched by Central Asian, Persian and Mughal influences, came alive at the Sindh Food Festival hosted by Avari Towers Karachi.On Saturday, September 12, we were invited to this colourful culinary celebration at The Sky Grill Restaurant, situated on the 17th-floor rooftop of Avari Towers. The ambience, traditional hospitality, music and authentic cuisine beautifully reflected the rich culture and heritage of Sindh.Upon arrival, guests were warmly welcomed by Mr. Naveed Ishtiaq, Director Sales; Mr. Imran Khan, F&B Manager; and Ms. Asqa-e-Noor, Cluster PR &…

ISLAMABAD: Qatar has summarily revoked the visa on arrival facility and processing a visa through a portal for Pakistanis, several prospective visitors to the Gulf state informed Business Recorder. This was acknowledged by informed sources at the Foreign Office to this correspondent. This decision has not yet been officially communicated to Pakistan however, Foreign Office authorities assured that the matter will be taken up with Qatari officials promptly. The unannounced restriction is reportedly linked to broader regional security dynamics following the recent escalation in the Iran–US conflict, as well as similar regulatory shifts across the region. Qatar is the second…