SHAHRISABZ: The President of the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI) Dr. Saad S. Khan has emphasized Pakistan’s potential to play a proactive role in the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) by actively promoting its tourism industry.
Speaking at a special ceremony commemorating Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan, as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2024 by UNESCO, Dr. Khan visited stalls representing all ECO countries as a distinguished guest of the host government.
In an interview with Pakistan state-run news agency APP, he praised the cultural diversity of the ECO region, particularly highlighting Pakistan’s initiatives under the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC).
Dr. Khan acknowledged Pakistan’s proposal to designate Lahore as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2026 and indicated that a decision on this matter would soon be made by ECO member states.
Reflecting on the festivities in Shahrisabz, Dr. Khan noted the high standards set by Uzbekistan and expressed optimism regarding Pakistan’s proactive role in the ECO, as one of its founding nations.
Highlighting Pakistan’s significance as the largest country by population in the ECO, Dr. Khan underscored the country’s responsibility to lead, given its status as the most populous ECO member.
Looking ahead, Dr. Khan envisioned Pakistan making a substantial impact on the global tourism stage, particularly if Lahore were to be awarded the title of ECO Tourism Capital in the coming years.
However, Dr. Khan suggested that designating a smaller Pakistani city as the tourism capital could introduce lesser-known destinations to the world and the region, complementing the international recognition of major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar.
