FPCCI and ICCD Host “Dialogue with Diplomats” to Promote Sustainable Tourism and Community Development
Independent Report
Karachi, November 5, 2025 — The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), in collaboration with the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) and strategic partner Al Baraka Bank Pakistan, successfully hosted a high-profile Dialogue with Diplomats under the Sustainable Tourism Forum (STF) initiative, themed “Transforming Tourism for Community Development.”
The event, held at FPCCI’s Head Office in Federation House, Karachi, brought together ambassadors, consuls general, high commissioners, diplomats, industry experts, policymakers, and tourism stakeholders from across Pakistan and several foreign missions.
President FPCCI, Atif Ikram Sheikh, informed that the forum focused on promoting bilateral and multilateral partnerships to drive community empowerment, environmental conservation, and economic growth through responsible tourism. He said that Pakistan’s diverse cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and emerging eco-tourism prospects can play a vital role in sustainable development.
A key highlight of the event was the adoption of a resolution to initiate a Tourism Exchange Program among all Islamic countries, aimed at strengthening business-to-business (B2B) and people-to-people (P2P) linkages for expanding trade, investment, and cultural cooperation.
Senior Vice President FPCCI, Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, emphasized that the dialogue represents a milestone in reshaping tourism as a catalyst for community development. “By fostering international partnerships, we can create sustainable opportunities that support local economies while preserving Pakistan’s natural and cultural treasures,” he remarked.
Atif Hanif, President and CEO of Al Baraka Bank Pakistan, highlighted that sustainable tourism is about building resilient communities: “Events like this bridge the gap between diplomats and business leaders, allowing us to craft actionable strategies for inclusive and ethical growth in Pakistan’s tourism sector.”
Khawaja Ashraf Hussain, Director of Events at ICCD Pakistan, delivered a detailed presentation on the objectives and scope of the upcoming 2nd Edition of the Sustainable Tourism Forum, scheduled to be held in Karachi on January 21–22, 2026, under the same theme of transforming tourism for community development.
Ambassadors, high commissioners, and diplomats from Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Algeria, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and several other countries attended the event. They emphasized that multilateral cooperation can significantly enhance sustainable tourism, generate long-term benefits for local communities, and contribute to Pakistan’s broader economic vision.
The session concluded with discussions on best global tourism practices adapted for Pakistan’s context. Participants expressed optimism about future collaborations and urged for policy reforms to strengthen Pakistan’s sustainable tourism infrastructure.
