FPCCI & Islamic Chamber to Jointly Host Sustainable Tourism Forum & Expo in Karachi Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI

Karachi: Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, Presdient of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce &
Industry (FPCCI), has apprised that, in collaboration with the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and
Development (ICCD), FPCCI will jointly organize the Sustainable Tourism Forum (STF) & Expo on
21-22 January 2026 in Karachi.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh added that the international event will bring together policymakers, investors,
tourism professionals and development institutions from Pakistan and across the Islamic world –
highlighting tourism as a powerful engine of economic growth, investment, employment and cultural
diplomacy.

FPCCI Chief stressed that tourism has emerged globally as one of the most dynamic sectors; contributing
significantly to economic development, foreign exchange earnings, job creation and people-to-people
connectivity – and, the STF will, therefore, focus on strengthening regional cooperation, promoting
sustainable tourism practices and unlocking new investment opportunities.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh informed that the discussions will explore key areas such as tourism diplomacy,
investment and partnerships in sustainable tourism; namely, medical & wellness tourism; green growth;
education & skills development; sustainable destination management and the transformation of tourism
through digital technology and artificial intelligence.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh elaborate that the specialized knowledge-sharing sessions will also address critical
challenges and opportunities facing the sector; including, heritage management for cultural tourism sites
& museums; the impact of climate change & natural disasters on tourism and innovative approaches for
building resilient and sustainable tourism destinations. Renowned speakers and industry experts from
multiple countries will share global best practices and regional perspectives – enriching the dialogue and
generating actionable outcomes, he added.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh highlighted that alongside the forum, the Tourism Expo will provide a vibrant
platform for participating countries and organizations to showcase their tourism destinations, heritage
assets, hospitality services, cultural products, traditional crafts and emerging tourism ventures. The expo
is expected to facilitate business networking, partnership building and cross-border collaboration – further
strengthening tourism’s role in regional economic integration.

The Sustainable Tourism Forum & Expo is a landmark initiative for promoting Pakistan and the broader
region as a competitive, sustainable and future-ready tourism destination, he added.

Brig Iftikhar Opel, SI (M), Retd.

Secretary General