Bike rally strengthens cultural ties

To promote culture, heritage, and regional trade, the participants of the Central Asia Motorbike Rally 2025 successfully completed their 26-day journey covering over 5,000 kilometres and arrived in Islamabad. According to details, the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) hosted a special reception to welcome the bikers upon their return. The event, organized by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, was held at the Mövenpick Hotel, where the riders received a warm welcome. The bikers travelled through Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, covering historic routes and cities over 26 days. The rally, which began on July 31 in Lahore, passed through Islamabad, Torkham, and Kabul before reaching Uzbekistan. After visiting Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, the participants continued to Tajikistan and then re-entered Pakistan via Afghanistan. Officials noted that the rally marked a milestone in projecting Pakistan's soft image and promoting adventure tourism. Rally team leader Mukarram Tarin said the bikers carried a message of peace and friendship: "We are peace-loving people, and our mission is to promote harmony through travel and cultural exchanges." Managing Director PTDC Aftabur Rehman Rana emphasised that tourism plays a vital role in strengthening economies worldwide, adding that Pakistan is blessed with immense natural and cultural treasures. He said the rally not only boosted regional tourism but also highlighted Pakistan's strategic role in connecting South and Central Asia through tourism and cultural diplomacy. Professor Roshan Alimov, Deputy Head of Mission, Uzbekistan, remarked that the bikers created opportunities for nations to come closer. IPC Secretary Mohyuddin Wani assured that the government will continue to support the tourism sector and take effective measures to expand it. The closing ceremony featured certificate distribution, group photographs, and high tea.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/R3SVNZn