Tarar urges regular holding of sports and cultural events
The festival features paragliding, hot air ballooning and tent pegging, and officials said similar events will be held across the country.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar called for regular sports and cultural events in Islamabad on Saturday, the state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
Tarar said such events promote sportsmanship, give young people a chance to show their skills and offer healthy recreation for the public.
He added that the events also generate inclusive economic activity that spans all areas of development.
Tarar said the Pakistan Tourism, Sports and Family Festival includes paragliding, hot air ballooning and tent pegging, along with family activities such as food, art and craft stalls.
He described tent pegging as an emblem of Pakistan's sports heritage and said holding such events regularly would keep traditions alive and connect younger people to their cultural identity.
Tarar praised the participation of female players, saying they are an inspiration for the world.
He said Pakistanis are excelling in every field and are second to none.
Speaking at the festival, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism Yasir Ilyas Khan said the event aims to promote the country's soft image and strengthen cross-border cultural links.
Khan said relevant stakeholders had been engaged to achieve this purpose.
He noted the participation of diplomatic missions from several countries, including a Sri Lankan Buddhist delegation and the president of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce from Nepal.
Khan said more than 20 stalls run by international delegations are set up at the festival.
He said similar events will be held across the country.
