Islamabad, August 1, 2025 – The kick-off ceremony of the Central Asia Tour 2025, an international motorbike rally promoting tourism, peace, and cultural integration across Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, was held today at 10:00 AM at Kohsar Block, Pak Secretariat, Islamabad.
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) in collaboration with Globe Strainers. This unique 23-day journey will cover over 5,000 kilometers, showcasing Pakistan’s tourism potential while fostering regional collaboration through people-to-people diplomacy.
The tour commenced from Lahore on July 31, passing through Islamabad, Torkham, and Kabul, before reaching Kunduz and entering Tajikistan via Kalaikhum. Riders will explore key destinations including Dushanbe, Khujand, and later cross into Uzbekistan, visiting cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. The rally will return via Afghanistan, concluding in Lahore on August 22, 2025. The adventure rally carries the theme: “Explore Muslim Heritage & Culture – Promote Tourism & Friendship.”
The ceremony was graced by Mr. Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, National Tourism Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism, as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Secretary, Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), as the Guest of Honour. The event was also attended by Mr. Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director PTDC; H.E. Mr. Alisher Tukhtayev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan; and H.E. Mr. Saidjon Shafiev, Deputy Head of Mission of Tajikistan. Their participation underscored the growing cooperation and shared vision for tourism, heritage promotion, and regional connectivity between Pakistan and the Central Asian countries.
Mr. Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, in his remarks, stated:
“This remarkable initiative not only reflects Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and tourism but also underlines the country’s strategic role as a gateway between South and Central Asia. I commend the organizers and extend my best wishes to the riders for a safe and successful journey.”
Mr. Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Secretary IPC, remarked:
“Tourism possesses transformative power to build bridges between nations. Events such as the Central Asia Tour are vital for strengthening cultural understanding and diplomatic cooperation within the ECO region and beyond.”
H.E. Mr. Alisher Tukhtayev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, remarked:
“This initiative will be greatly helpful to promote people-to-people contact and promote bilateral tourism between Pakistan and Central Asian States”.
H.E. Mr. Saidjon Shafiev, Deputy Head of Mission of Tajikistan, remarked:
“This bike rally will open new frontiers for the promotion of cross-border tourism between Pakistan and Tajikistan”.
Mr. Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director PTDC, added:
“The Central Asia Tour 2025 marks a significant milestone in the realm of adventure tourism and regional integration. PTDC is proud to support initiatives that promote Pakistan’s soft image and heritage at the global level”.
PTDC invites all stakeholders and the public to celebrate and support this inspirational journey, which aims to open new frontiers for tourism, strengthen diplomatic ties, and promote peace and friendship across borders.
