Pakistan Unveils Plan to Develop 20 World-Class Tourist Destinations

Pakistan Unveils Plan to Develop 20 New World-Class Tourist Destinations

Islamabad, August 12, 2025 — Pakistan is gearing up for a major boost to its tourism sector, with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif announcing an ambitious initiative to develop 20 new travel destinations across the country.

Chairing a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s unmatched natural beauty, ancient heritage, and diverse landscapes as untapped assets that can elevate the nation’s position on the global tourism map.

A Vision for Modern Tourism in Pakistan

From the snow-covered peaks of Gilgit-Baltistan and lush valleys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the golden deserts of Punjab and Sindh and the pristine beaches along Balochistan’s coast, Pakistan boasts a stunning variety of landscapes.

Sharif emphasized the urgent need to establish world-class hotels, luxury resorts, eco-friendly facilities, and efficient transport links to attract both local and international travelers.

“We are home to some of the oldest civilizations and most breathtaking natural wonders. It is crucial to invest in infrastructure and accessibility so that Pakistan can emerge as a leading travel destination,” the Prime Minister said.

Priority Development Regions

The government plans to focus first on:

• Islamabad – A central hub with easy access to various tourist spots.

• Gilgit-Baltistan – Home to iconic mountains including K2.

• Azad Jammu and Kashmir – Known for scenic valleys and lakes.

Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Growth

Sharif stressed that all tourism projects must be environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient, preserving the country’s natural beauty for future generations.

Expanding Tourism Sectors

Tourism Coordinator Sardar Yasir Ilyas presented a detailed plan to:

• Increase the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP.

• Promote religious tourism (Buddhist, Sikh, and Islamic heritage).

• Develop medical tourism facilities.

Attracting Global Investment

A National Tourism Expo and Investment Conference will soon be held in Islamabad to invite both domestic and international investors to participate in Pakistan’s tourism expansion.

Existing Must-Visit Attractions in Pakistan

Pakistan already offers a rich mix of historic landmarks and natural wonders, including:

• Hunza Valley – Mountain views and cultural heritage in Gilgit-Baltistan.

• Skardu – Gateway to the world’s highest peaks including K2.

• Fairy Meadows – Famous for its panoramic view of Nanga Parbat.

• Swat Valley – Nicknamed “Switzerland of the East.”

• Lahore Fort & Shalimar Gardens – UNESCO heritage sites.

• Badshahi Mosque – A Mughal-era architectural masterpiece.

• Mohenjo-Daro – Indus Valley Civilization site in Sindh.

• Neelum Valley – Dense forests, waterfalls, and rivers.

• Murree – Popular hill station near Islamabad.

• Cholistan Desert – Known for its desert festival and camel races.

• Makran Coastal Highway – Scenic Arabian Sea drive.

• Taxila – Ancient Buddhist archaeological treasures.

• Ranikot Fort – One of the largest forts in the world.

• Sheikhupura Fort – Historic Mughal-era structure.

• Islamabad Landmarks – Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh, Margalla Hills.

• Hingol National Park – Balochistan’s largest national park.

• Mehrgarh – Neolithic archaeological site.

• Lal Suhanra National Park – A unique desert-forest ecosystem.

• Khewra Salt Mines – One of the largest in the world.

The Road AheadPakistan Unveils Plan to Develop 20 New World-Class Tourist Destinations

Islamabad, August 12, 2025 — Pakistan is gearing up for a major boost to its tourism sector, with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif announcing an ambitious initiative to develop 20 new travel destinations across the country.

Chairing a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s unmatched natural beauty, ancient heritage, and diverse landscapes as untapped assets that can elevate the nation’s position on the global tourism map.

A Vision for Modern Tourism in Pakistan

From the snow-covered peaks of Gilgit-Baltistan and lush valleys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the golden deserts of Punjab and Sindh and the pristine beaches along Balochistan’s coast, Pakistan boasts a stunning variety of landscapes.

Sharif emphasized the urgent need to establish world-class hotels, luxury resorts, eco-friendly facilities, and efficient transport links to attract both local and international travelers.

“We are home to some of the oldest civilizations and most breathtaking natural wonders. It is crucial to invest in infrastructure and accessibility so that Pakistan can emerge as a leading travel destination,” the Prime Minister said.

Priority Development Regions

The government plans to focus first on:

• Islamabad – A central hub with easy access to various tourist spots.

• Gilgit-Baltistan – Home to iconic mountains including K2.

• Azad Jammu and Kashmir – Known for scenic valleys and lakes.

Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Growth

Sharif stressed that all tourism projects must be environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient, preserving the country’s natural beauty for future generations.

Expanding Tourism Sectors

Tourism Coordinator Sardar Yasir Ilyas presented a detailed plan to:

• Increase the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP.

• Promote religious tourism (Buddhist, Sikh, and Islamic heritage).

• Develop medical tourism facilities.

Attracting Global Investment

A National Tourism Expo and Investment Conference will soon be held in Islamabad to invite both domestic and international investors to participate in Pakistan’s tourism expansion.

Existing Must-Visit Attractions in Pakistan

Pakistan already offers a rich mix of historic landmarks and natural wonders, including:

• Hunza Valley – Mountain views and cultural heritage in Gilgit-Baltistan.

• Skardu – Gateway to the world’s highest peaks including K2.

• Fairy Meadows – Famous for its panoramic view of Nanga Parbat.

• Swat Valley – Nicknamed “Switzerland of the East.”

• Lahore Fort & Shalimar Gardens – UNESCO heritage sites.

• Badshahi Mosque – A Mughal-era architectural masterpiece.

• Mohenjo-Daro – Indus Valley Civilization site in Sindh.

• Neelum Valley – Dense forests, waterfalls, and rivers.

• Murree – Popular hill station near Islamabad.

• Cholistan Desert – Known for its desert festival and camel races.

• Makran Coastal Highway – Scenic Arabian Sea drive.

• Taxila – Ancient Buddhist archaeological treasures.

• Ranikot Fort – One of the largest forts in the world.

• Sheikhupura Fort – Historic Mughal-era structure.

• Islamabad Landmarks – Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh, Margalla Hills.

• Hingol National Park – Balochistan’s largest national park.

• Mehrgarh – Neolithic archaeological site.

• Lal Suhanra National Park – A unique desert-forest ecosystem.

• Khewra Salt Mines – One of the largest in the world.

The Road Ahead

With this 20-destination development plan, Pakistan is positioning itself as a premier global tourism hub. If executed successfully, the initiative could transform lesser-known regions into world-class attractions and significantly boost the country’s economy.