Pakistani bikers begin Central Asia tour to boost ECO ties
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A group of renowned Pakistani bikers has set off on an international tourism and cultural expedition to Central Asia under the initiative of the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP).
The 15-member group aims to strengthen tourism ties among four Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member states: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The bikers were seen off by TDCP Managing Director Dr Nasir Mehmood at the tourism bus terminal located at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, group leader Mukarram Tareen shared that the journey will span 23 days and cover approximately 5,000 kilometers, traversing historic, cultural, and natural landmarks across Afghanistan, Tajikistan, 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 with local communities. The core objective of this expedition is to promote peaceful relations, regional friendship, and cultural harmony,' Tareen stated.
Another group member, Nazar Saeed Khan, noted that the overland route to the Central Asian republics has long remained inactive. 'We aim to reconnect with bikers' clubs in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and invite them to visit Pakistan. Such exchanges can boost tourism and provide opportunities to experience each other's cultures firsthand,' he added.
TDCP MD Dr Nasir Mehmood lauded the initiative as a landmark step toward fostering regional friendship, cultural integration, and bilateral tourism.
'This bike rally aligns with Lahore's preparations to be declared the Tourism Capital in 2027 and reflects the Punjab government's commitment to offering international-standard tourism facilities,' he noted.
He further emphasised that such healthy and adventurous activities not only promote wellness tourism but also portray Pakistan as a peaceful, harmonious, and welcoming country on the global stage.
This initiative stands as a practical example of utilising tourism as a diplomatic bridge—aiming to project a positive image of Pakistan abroad.
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