Bishkek (TDI): The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has named Lahore as its Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026-27, giving Pakistan’s historic city a prominent role in promoting tourism and cultural exchange across the bloc.
The decision was announced at the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting in Bishkek, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The Tourism and Cultural Capital title has been rotated among SCO member states since 2022. The initiative aims to showcase cities representing the cultural heritage of the country holding the organization’s rotating presidency.
Pakistan assumed the SCO presidency this year under the theme “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity.”
The decision to name Lahore was taken in April this year during a meeting of heads of tourism administrations from SCO member states in Bishkek.
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Lahore, known for its historic monuments, Mughal-era architecture, vibrant cultural traditions and rich culinary heritage, will now serve as a platform for promoting Pakistan’s tourism and cultural identity among SCO countries.
Previous cities to receive the title include Varanasi in India, Almaty in Kazakhstan, Qingdao in China and Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
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The designation is expected to strengthen people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges and tourism cooperation among SCO member states, while giving Lahore greater international visibility as a major cultural destination.
