Addressing tent pegging competitions at F-9 Park as part of the Pakistan Tourism, Sports and Family Festival on Saturday, the minister said various activities were being organised across the country to promote sports, culture and tourism.
Accompanied by Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Tarar said Pakistan was making progress on diplomatic and economic fronts under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
He thanked tent pegging clubs and participants for taking part in the competitions and praised Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan for organising the festival, saying it had provided residents of Islamabad and nearby areas with opportunities to enjoy healthy recreational activities.
The minister said the prime minister had directed the organisation of more events of this kind. He added that major international gatherings, including meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), were also expected in the future.
Describing tent pegging as a traditional sport and an important cultural symbol, Tarar said such activities helped connect younger generations with their heritage. He maintained that Pakistani athletes had demonstrated their abilities in various sports.
He particularly praised the participation of women and girls in tent pegging, saying their skills and confidence were sending a positive message internationally and serving as an inspiration for women.
Tarar said several activities, including paragliding, hot-air balloon rides and family stalls, were also being organised at Jinnah Stadium. He described the festival as a combination of sports, cultural activities and family entertainment, and invited Islamabad residents to enjoy the food, music and sporting events.
He said promoting such activities was part of the prime minister’s vision to present Pakistan’s cultural identity and positive image to the world. According to the minister, sports competitions encourage healthy competition, provide young people with platforms to display their talent and bring together families, media representatives and members of the diplomatic community.
Responding to a question, Tarar said Pakistan had successfully hosted a tri-nation cricket series featuring England and Sri Lanka. He also mentioned the launch of a hockey league, along with a squash championship and youth talent-hunt activities.
The minister claimed that the number of sporting events organised in Pakistan over the past two and a half years was unprecedented in the country’s history. He said visits by foreign leaders, delegations and sports teams could further strengthen tourism, economic activity and Pakistan’s international image.
Referring to Norwegian DJ Alan Walker’s visit to Pakistan, Tarar said a video recorded by the artist in Lahore had attracted more than 20 million views. He added that promoting artists, music and handicrafts could create opportunities for exports, while Pakistani sports professionals could also share their expertise in traditional games such as tent pegging with international audiences.
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