A tarnished image of Pakistan on the world stage has subdued its growth in tourism and other industries for many years, the ripples of which were felt by the citizenry on different levels and in everyday lives. Banned and shamed once, a phrase “unsafe to travel” had caught on; it still is but increasingly being succeeded with a question mark instead of a statement-making period. With a wave of change, in 2020 the country is experiencing a rise in sports festival, of which we were once deprived of, expressing potential in sports tourism. A rundown of the happenings across Pakistan:

PSL 5 being hosted in Pakistan for the first time

The fifth edition of our cricket frenzy is being hosted in its entirety in Pakistan for the very first time. The government set aside a huge fund to host the ceremony, festivities and the games. Although cricket did come home in earlier tournaments but it was only co-hosted and multiple international players had refused to travel to the country on account of safety issues.

15th Cholistan desert jeep rally

The world’s sixth largest desert Cholistan hosted the biggest motor sports event – showcasing inclusivity with female drivers – with 131 vehicles competing. It was held in Dilwash Stadium near Derawar Fort after technical inspection of all vehicles was performed.

2nd Winter Sports Festival 2020

The snowy mountainous landscapes of the North hosted the second edition of snow sports with men, women and children competing for national and international titles in skiing in a three-month long festival. Local and international tourists participated in the competitions held in Naltar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan and Malam Jabba.