Latest news with #PunjabTourismDepartment
Express Tribune
11-08-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Northern tourism buckles under harsh weather
The landslides have uprooted several trees, which have fallen into the Kunhar River, spreading dust clouds and causing widespread fear among residents of Mahandri, Balakot. PHOTO: EXPRESS Where the recent pattern of heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods across Pakistan's northern regions has caused significant loss of life and property for the local population, it has also ruined the summer itineraries of several seasonal tourists from across various cities. According to the Meteorological Department, this monsoon season has brought far more rain than usual. In Chakwal alone, 423 mm of rainfall was recorded by mid-July, which is twice the multi-year average. Roads were blocked in Murree, Soon Valley, Kalabagh, and other locations, leaving dozens of tourists stranded while rescue operations too were severely hampered due to ongoing downpours. In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, at least 13 tourists drowned while spending time near the Swat river. The sudden rise in water levels and a lack of safety measures contributed to the tragedy. Similarly, in Gilgit-Baltistan's Diamer district, three people were killed and 15 reported missing due to landslides, while several sections of the Karakoram Highway were also closed. Following these dangerous incidents, a noticeable decline has been observed in the willingness of tourists to travel to the north. Imran Ahmed, a resident of Lahore, said, "We used to visit Murree or Kalam every year, but the recent tragedies are heartbreaking." Another citizen, Tariq Mahmood, shared, "While on the way to Soon Valley, we got reports of landslides and decided to return. These areas no longer feel safe." Experts believe that extreme weather, encroachments, and weak infrastructure are putting tourist destinations at serious risk hence amplifying the urgent need for the government to focus on early warning systems, emergency planning, and environmental protection. Nadeem Shehzad, a well-known tour operator from Lahore, confirmed that many tours were cancelled at the start of July due to unexpected weather conditions. "Tourists were instead offered safer alternatives, which most accepted. While the summer season is peak business time for the tourism industry, professional operators always prioritize the safety of their clients. Some unlicensed tour operators, however, use misleading social media content to encourage trips to high-risk areas, which can be life-threatening," informed Shehzad. In response to the situation, the Punjab Tourism Department has decided to introduce Tourism Quality Standards at all tourist spots. According to Tourism Secretary Raja Jahangir Anwar, health and safety protocols will be made mandatory at all destinations. Road construction will also be carried out in a way that minimizes the risk of landslides, while encroachments on drainage systems will also be removed. "Punjab has been divided into three tourism zones: northern regions (Murree, Kotli Sattian), natural lakes and rivers, and southern Punjab. Among these, the northern areas are the most vulnerable to weather-related risks. The Punjab government has allocated a tourism development budget of Rs18 billion for the first time, aimed at upgrading existing tourist spots, improving safety measures, and reviving new destinations," claimed Anwar. The Tourism Secretary further urged the public to check weather and security updates from the Tourism Department's website and the PDMA helpline before planning any trips, in order to avoid any unpleasant incidents.
Express Tribune
22-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Mango festival opens amid climate impact concerns
The Punjab Tourism Department has inaugurated the Mango Festival 2025 in Lahore, showcasing over 50 varieties of the beloved summer fruit. The two-day event at a hotel drew large crowds, including tourists, farmers, agricultural experts, students and professionals from the food and hospitality industry. The festival offered a mix of traditional dance, folk music, handicrafts and a wide array of mango-based dishes, turning the event into a celebration of agriculture, culture and culinary creativity. Provincial Tourism Secretary Fareed Ahmad Tarar and Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) Managing Director Dr Nasir Mehmood opened the festival. On the occasion, Tarar described the festival not just as a celebration of mangoes but also as a tribute to the hardworking farmers and the rich agricultural and cultural heritage of the province. Dr Mehmood emphasised that the event would serve as a platform for promoting tourism, hospitality and local industries alongside agriculture. Agricultural expert Rana Asif Hayat Tipu highlighted that five tonnes of export-quality mangoes were made available at farm-gate prices to address public concerns that high-grade fruit is rarely accessible in retail markets. He warned, however, that climate change, intense heat, dust storms and water shortages had severely affected this year's crop, causing an estimated 40 per cent decline in production in some areas. Experts noted that Pakistan typically produces around 1.8 million tonnes of mango annually, with Punjab contributing 70% of the national output, Sindh 29% and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa about 1%. Due to adverse weather conditions, 2025's output is projected to drop to approximately 1.4 million tonnes. Nonetheless, the government has ambitiously raised the export target to 125,000 tonnes for this season, aiming for $100 million in foreign exchange earnings.
Express Tribune
22-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Two-day mango festival opens in Lahore
Listen to article The Punjab Tourism Department inaugurated the much-anticipated Mango Festival 2025 in Lahore showcasing over 50 varieties of Pakistan's beloved summer fruit. Held at a local hotel, the two-day event drew large crowds including citizens, tourists, farmers, agricultural experts, students, and professionals from the food and hospitality industry. The festival offered a vibrant mix of traditional dance, folk music, handicrafts, and a wide array of mango-based dishes, turning the event into a unique celebration of agriculture, culture, and culinary creativity. The festival was formally opened by Punjab Secretary of Tourism Fareed Ahmad Tarar and Dr Nasir Mehmood, Managing Director of the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP). Tarar described the festival not just as a celebration of mangoes but also as a tribute to the hardworking farmers of Punjab and the province's rich agricultural and cultural heritage. Dr Mehmood emphasized that the event serves as a platform for promoting tourism, hospitality, and local industries alongside agriculture. Agricultural expert Rana Asif Hayat Tipu highlighted that five tons of export-quality mangoes were made available at farm-gate prices to address public concerns that high-grade fruit is rarely accessible in retail markets. He warned, however, that climate change, intense heat, dust storms, and water shortages had severely affected this year's crop, causing an estimated 40–50% decline in production. Read: Eat mango at night for these 10 incredible health benefits Experts noted that Pakistan typically produces around 1.8 million metric tons of mangoes annually, with Punjab contributing 70% of the national output, Sindh 29%, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa about 1%. Due to adverse weather conditions, 2025's output is projected to drop to approximately 1.4 million metric tons. Nonetheless, the government has ambitiously raised the export target to 125,000 metric tons this season, aiming for $100m (approx. PKR 28m) in foreign exchange earnings. Last year, only 13,681 metric tons were exported, generating $46.7m. Festivalgoers, particularly women and young attendees, expressed excitement over witnessing such a diverse array of mango varieties in one location—something they rarely encounter in local markets. Nimra, a representative of a hospitality group, shared that their stall was focused on teaching attendees how to prepare a variety of mango-based dishes such as cakes, shakes, chutneys, juices, and ice cream, promoting mangoes as a versatile ingredient beyond a simple chilled fruit. Young artist Sarah Muhammad Hussain and her team displayed mango-themed paintings, capturing the fruit's vibrant colors and aromatic essence on canvas. Pakistan cultivates more than 200 mango varieties, about 20 of which are grown commercially and exported globally. These include popular types such as Chaunsa, Sindhri, Neelum, Anwar Ratol, Langra, Dussehri, Began Phali, Gulab Khas, Saroli, and Zafran. Known for their exceptional taste, aroma, color, and nutritional value, Pakistani mangoes continue to enjoy premium status in international markets, earning them the title 'King of Fruits.' According to TDCP officials, the Mango Festival plays a pivotal role in boosting agri-tourism and cultural exchange while also facilitating direct interaction between growers and exporters—enhancing value chains and market access for local producers. Previously, twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi revelled in the sweet bliss of mangoes, aptly hailed as the "King of Fruits," as the juicy delight brings joy to people of all ages in the summer season. Vibrant displays of mangoes greet shoppers in local markets, with vendors showcasing every kind of mango from the renowned Chaunsa, Sindhri, and Anwar Ratol to the prized Langra, Fajli, and Dusehri. Every type of variety is readily available. Mango lovers can relish the sweetness of Chaunsa, the tanginess of Sindhri, or explore other unique flavors, making the twin cities a haven for mango connoisseurs. As people enjoy the mango season, vendors are working hard to meet the demand. A fruit vendor in Islamabad's F-6 market, Muhammad Ali, shared that "We are importing mangoes from the best orchards in Sindh and Punjab to ensure top quality and flavour. He said that Mangoes are flying off the shelves and they are having a great season so far, with Chaunsa and Sindhri being the top sellers.
