Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan leads Pakistan delegation at ECO conference in Shusha
In his keynote address, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan highlighted Pakistan’s vast investment potential in the tourism sector, inviting governments and the private sector from ECO member states to explore opportunities across infrastructure, hospitality, and destination development
DNA
Shusha, Azerbaijan – April 29, 2026: Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Tourism and National Coordinator, led the Pakistani delegation at the high-level ECO Conference in Shusha, commemorating its designation as the Tourism Capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) for 2026.
The multi-day engagements, held from April 27 to 29, brought together senior representatives from ECO member states including Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan, reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing regional tourism cooperation, connectivity, and sustainable development. The opening ceremony and official proceedings were attended by prominent Azerbaijani leadership, including Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Aydin Karimov, Mayor of Shusha.
In his keynote address, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan highlighted Pakistan’s vast investment potential in the tourism sector, inviting governments and the private sector from ECO member states to explore opportunities across infrastructure, hospitality, and destination development.
He noted that Pakistan’s tourism sector is currently experiencing annual growth of approximately 10%, employing 4.7 million people, and is poised for significant expansion under a comprehensive 5–10 year tourism plan and policy. This roadmap aims to increase employment to 8 million jobs and enhance tourism’s contribution to GDP to $40 billion.
Numerous package including adventure tourism, medical tourism and religious tourism are being introduced and special discounted packages will be launched for members States to encourage their citizens to visit Pakistan. He also highlighted the importance of establishing a unified visa policy for the region similar to the Schengen visa program.
He further emphasized that under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, major reforms are being undertaken to strengthen tourism as a key pillar of economic growth. He also highlighted Pakistan’s strategic role as a regional stabilizer, acknowledging national leadership of the Prime Minister & Field Marshal for ensuring peace and stability critical for tourism development. Infrastructure & Connectivity Outlook
Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan underscored Pakistan’s strong tourism infrastructure and accessibility, including:
5 international airports and 15 domestic airports
Over 12,000 km of motorway network
7,700 km of railway connectivity
Presence of five of the world’s highest peaks
Expanding nationwide 5G connectivity
These factors position Pakistan as a well-connected, high-potential destination for international tourists and investors.
A key highlight of Pakistan’s participation was its cultural and culinary showcase, where authentic Pakistani cuisine was presented to international delegates. Signature dishes including Chicken Biryani, Nihari, Mutton Karahi and Seekh Kebabs along with traditional sweets and nan reflected the country’s rich heritage and diversity which was appreciated all the visitors.
During this segment, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan was accompanied by Fuad Naghiyev Chairman of the state tourism agency and Aydin Karimov Mayor of the city, symbolizing strong cultural ties and bilateral engagement between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
On the sidelines of the conference, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan held one-on-one meetings with tourism leadership from Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to discuss:
Enhancement of bilateral tourism cooperation
Development of hospitality exchange programs
Strengthening of academia–industry linkages
Organization of joint tourism roadshows
He emphasized the importance of increasing inbound tourism to Pakistan, particularly from countries with existing direct flight connectivity, to balance current travel trends.
Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan was recognized as the youngest representative from Pakistan at the conference, reflecting the country’s commitment to empowering youth participation in international tourism platforms.
The forum holds added importance as Pakistan prepares to host ECO events in 2027 in Lahore and Islamabad. Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan extended a formal invitation to all member states to participate, positioning Pakistan as a future hub for regional tourism dialogue and collaboration.
Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan’s leadership at the ECO Conference in Shusha underscores Pakistan’s commitment to leveraging tourism as a driver of economic growth, regional integration, and cultural diplomacy. His participation has opened new avenues for investment, partnerships, and enhanced connectivity across the ECO region, reinforcing Pakistan’s vision for a sustainable and globally competitive tourism sector.
