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, with the aim of reviving the spirit of the ancient Silk Route and strengthening Pakistan’s connections with Central Asia, China, South Asia, and the wider international community.
The opening ceremony was graced by Mr. Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Tourism, as the Chief Guest.
Ms. Sadaf Khalid Khan and Mian Hashim Masood warmly welcomed the Chief Guest and distinguished diplomatic representatives, including H.E. Alisher Tukhtaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan; H.E. Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka; H.E. Paulo Miguel Guedes Dominguez, Ambassador of Portugal; H.E. Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir, Ambassador of Tajikistan; and H.E. Andrei Metelitsa, Ambassador of Belarus, alongside representatives of government tourism departments, the private business sector, international delegates from Sri Lanka and Malaysia, and members of the youth community.
In his welcome address, Chief Guest Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan appreciated the efforts of the Silk Road Enterprises team for organising this important international initiative. He highlighted Pakistan’s enormous potential for tourism, trade, and investment with countries across the Silk Route region and emphasised the need to translate these opportunities into practical cooperation.
He also proposed the establishment of a dedicated task force for the promotion of the Silk Route region, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts among government institutions, tourism departments, private-sector stakeholders, and international partners to strengthen regional connectivity and develop sustainable tourism and trade opportunities.
The Chief Guest’s remarks underscored the importance of bringing relevant stakeholders together to develop a coordinated approach towards promoting Pakistan as a tourism destination and strengthening economic and cultural ties with Silk Route countries.
Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Aftab ur Rehman Rana, also highlighted Pakistan’s significant potential for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange with countries along the historic Silk Route. He emphasised the importance of promoting Pakistan’s diverse tourism attractions, cultural heritage, and regional connections to encourage international visitors and create new opportunities for cooperation.
The International Silk Route Festival seeks to revive the legacy of the ancient Silk Route, which historically connected civilisations through trade, knowledge, art, and cultural interaction. These historic routes linked regions stretching from China and South Asia through Central Asia and the Middle East towards Europe, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, traditions, and innovations.
Building on this historic legacy, the festival aims to establish a contemporary platform for cultural diplomacy, tourism promotion, business networking, investment opportunities, and people-to-people engagement.
Pakistan’s strategic geographical position, archaeological heritage, traditional crafts, diverse landscapes, historic destinations, and vibrant cultural traditions offer significant opportunities for collaboration with countries across the Silk Route region.
The participation of international delegates from Sri Lanka and Malaysia, together with diplomatic representatives and business stakeholders, added an important international dimension to the festival, reflecting a shared interest in strengthening tourism cooperation, cultural understanding, and economic partnerships.
The festival also provided a platform for government tourism departments, private-sector entrepreneurs, exhibitors, and young people to showcase their work, exchange ideas, explore new opportunities, and contribute to a broader vision of regional connectivity and sustainable development.
In his closing remarks, Prince Shehryar Khan expressed his sincere gratitude to all distinguished participants, diplomatic representatives, exhibitors, sponsors, youth, government tourism departments, and partner organisations for their active participation and support. He acknowledged the collective efforts that contributed to the successful opening ceremony and reaffirmed the organisers’ commitment to promoting Pakistan’s cultural heritage and strengthening international cooperation through the Silk Route initiative.
The organisers expressed hope that the festival would serve as a foundation for stronger partnerships between Pakistan and Silk Route countries, encouraging greater collaboration in tourism, trade, investment, cultural exchange, and youth engagement.
The International Silk Route Festival reflects a shared vision of reconnecting nations through their common heritage while creating new opportunities for economic growth, cultural understanding, and lasting friendship
