Lahore:
A group of recognized Pakistani cyclists have offset an international tourism and cultural expedition to Central Asia under the initiative of the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP).
The 15 members group aim to strengthen tourist ribbons among four Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Member States: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tadsjikistan and Uzbekistan. Cyclists were seen by TDCP CEO Dr. Nasir Mehmood at Tourism Bus Terminal located at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Talking to Express PakinomistGroup leader Mukarram Tareen shared that the journey will span 23 days and cover about 5,000 kilometers, crossing historic, cultural and natural landmarks over Afghanistan, Tadsjikistan and Uzbekistan.
“Our route will take us from Islamabad to Kabul, Kandahar, Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent. We plan to stay in these cities and engage in the local communities. The core purpose of this expedition is to promote peaceful relations, regional friendship and cultural harmony,” Tareen said.
Another group member, Nazar Saeed Khan, noted that the overland route to the Central Asian Republics has long been inactive. “We aim to connect again with cyclists in Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and invite them to visit Pakistan. Such exchanges can increase tourism and provide opportunities to experience each other’s cultures from the first hand,” he added.
TDCP MD Dr. Nasir Mehmood paid tribute to the initiative as a landmark step towards promoting regional friendship, cultural integration and bilateral tourism.
“This bicycle rally is in line with Lahores’ preparations to be declared the tourist capital in 2027 and reflects the Punjab government’s obligation to offer international standard tourist facilities,” he noted.
He further emphasized that such healthy and adventurous activities not only promote wellness tourism, but also portrays Pakistan as a peaceful, harmonious and inviting country on the global scene.
This initiative stands as a practical example of exploiting tourism as a diplomatic bridge – as if to project a positive picture of Pakistan abroad.
