Lahore:
A group of renowned Pakistani bikers sparked an international tourist and cultural expedition to Central Asia under the initiative of the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP).
The group of 15 members aims to strengthen tourism links between four member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO): Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tadjikistan and Ouzbekistan. The bikers were seen by the Director General of TDCP, Dr. Nasir Mehmood, in the Tourist Bus terminal located at the Gaddafi stadium, Lahore.
Talk to The Express PK Press ClubGroup leader Mukarram Tareen shared that the trip extended over 23 days and will cover around 5,000 kilometers, would cross historic, cultural and natural monuments through Afghanistan, Tadjikistan and Uzbekistan.
“Our itinerary will take us from Islamabad to Kabul, Kandahar, Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent. We plan to stay in these cities and get involved with local communities. The main objective of this expedition is to promote peaceful relations, regional friendship and cultural harmony, “said Tareen.
Another member of the group, Nazar Saeed Khan, noted that the land route to the Republics of Central Asia has long been inactive. “We aim to reconnect with biker clubs in Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and invite them to visit Pakistan. Such exchanges can stimulate tourism and offer opportunities to discover the cultures of the other of the first hand, “he added.
TDCP MD Dr Nasir Mehmood praised the initiative as a benchmark for the promotion of regional friendship, cultural integration and bilateral tourism.
“This bicycle rally aligns with Lahore’s preparations to declare the tourist capital in 2027 and reflects the commitment of the Punjab government to offer standard international tourist installations,” he noted.
He also pointed out that so healthy and adventurous activities not only promote well-being tourism, but also portray Pakistan as a peaceful, harmonious and welcoming country on the world stage.
This initiative is a practical example of the use of tourism as a diplomatic bridge – aimed at projecting a positive image of Pakistan abroad.
