Latest news with #TourismDevelopmentCorporationofPunjab
Express Tribune
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Citizens switching to e-bikes offered Rs100k
The Punjab government has launched financial incentives under the Chief Minister's Green Credit Programme for citizens to switch from petrol to electric motorbikes. Eligible individuals can earn up to Rs100,000 by participating in the initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation. According to the programme head, Rizwana Anjum, the scheme offers a green credit of up to Rs100,000 for those who purchase electric motorcycles and register on the Chief Minister Punjab Green Credit Programme web portal. She shared that the government aims to convert 2,000 petrol motorcycles and 250 other vehicles to electric alternatives during the current fiscal year. This shift is expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by 8,000 tonnes. The broader goal is to cut transport emissions by 20 per cent by 2030, by transitioning 30% of the province's transport fleet to electric vehicles. The official revealed that the programme comprises 35 citizen-driven initiatives through which they could contribute to reducing carbon emissions and earn credits in return. The initiatives include everyday practices that support environmental sustainability. "Under Pakistan's international climate commitments, 30% of the transport sector must transition to electric vehicles by 2030," she said. "To support this, citizens still using petrol motorcycles are being offered incentives to switch to electric bikes and earn rewards." Explaining the process, Rizwana Anjum said citizens who have purchased an electric bike after December 2024 can register on the portal. They are required to submit information including the bike's purchase date, company and model, registration number, chassis number, a copy of the registration book, and photographs of the vehicle. A programme representative will visit the applicant for verification, following which beneficiary will receive an initial payment of Rs50,000. An additional Rs50,000 can be obtained by linking the electric bike with the Green Credit mobile application. Riders who complete 6,000 kilometres travel within six months of registration will be eligible for the second installment. Officials at the Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) clarified that retrofitting old petrol bikes with electric motors or batteries did not qualify for the programme. Only citizens who purchase a new electric motorcycle and register it through the programme are eligible for the financial incentive. Central Asian tour A 15-member group of bikers has set off on a tourism and cultural expedition to Central Asia to strengthen tourist ties among Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The bikers were seen off by Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) Managing Director Dr Nasir Mehmood from Gaddafi Stadium. Group leader Mukarram Tareen said the journey will span 23 days and cover approximately 5,000 kilometres, 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. A group member, Nazar Saeed Khan, highlighted that the overland route to 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.
Express Tribune
31-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Pakistani bikers begin Central Asia tour to boost ECO ties
The 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. PHOTO: ASIF MEHMOOD Listen to article 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.
Express Tribune
02-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Plastic waste tarnishes Patriata's scenic charm
While global efforts to combat environmental pollution intensify, the picturesque tourist destination of Patriata in Murree is experiencing increasing environmental degradation due to the rampant use of plastic shopping bags and general littering. The provincial "Clean Punjab" campaign has gained widespread public support, yet the condition of the Patriata Chairlift and Public Park, managed by the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP), continues to deteriorate. Tourists and residents alike have voiced disappointment over the unsanitary environment. A citizen, Zahid Khan, said that the TDCP, despite receiving a sizable budget and earning millions in ticket sales, has failed to maintain basic cleanliness standards, causing significant inconvenience for visitors. Another citizen said that the accumulation of garbage and plastic waste has reportedly led to skin and respiratory issues among locals. The TDCP director told The Express Tribune that cleanliness and courteous behaviour are key to the success of any tourist destination.
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.
