2 weeks Ago By Our Staff Reporter
LAHORE - Ambassadors from the ten-member Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) arrived in Lahore on Sunday to attend the 294th meeting of the ECO Council of Permanent Representatives for the first time. The meeting was hosted by the Government of Punjab at the Civil Secretariat in Lahore. A key agenda item of the meeting was the selection of the ‘ECO Capital of Tourism 2027’, with Lahore being considered a strong contender.
Previously, the title has been awarded to the city of Shahrisabz in Uzbekistan and Erzurum in Türkiye. The ECO includes ten member states: Türkiye, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The presence of their ambassadors in Lahore marks a significant diplomatic and cultural milestone for the city.
During their visit to Lahore, the ECO ambassadors will explore the city’s historical and cultural landmarks and participate in cultural festivities, including the renowned Mela Chiraghan. A series of cultural and tourism-related events, including a special luncheon, have also been organized in their honour. In her welcoming message, Senior Provincial Minister Ms Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized that the occasion is a significant opportunity to showcase the rich history, cultural heritage, and vibrant traditions of Pakistan and Punjab to the world.
She expressed hope that Lahore would be rightfully recognized as the ECO Capital of Tourism 2027, InshaAllah. Treatment facilities being provided on priority basis at PIC: Punjab Health Minister The ambassadors expressed deep gratitude to Chief Minister Punjab and the provincial government for the warm reception and excellent arrangements, calling the visit a highly memorable and delightful experience. Earlier, representing Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Provincial Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani received the foreign dignitaries at the airport.
The visiting ambassadors were greeted with bouquets and given full protocol upon arrival. The State Guest Lounge was specially opened for the distinguished guests. The Lahore airport was festooned with welcome banners and national flags of ECO member countries, reflecting the importance of the occasion.
Among those arriving was Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran, Raza Amiri Muqaddam, who also extended a warm reception to the visiting delegation. Also, the ECO ambassadors visited the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) Headquarters in Lahore. The delegation included more than 25 ambassadors and representatives, led by the Secretary General of ECO, Retired Asad Majeed Khan.
Managing Director PSCA Muhammad Ahsan Younas, warmly welcomed the delegation and provided a comprehensive briefing on the Smart & Safe Cities Project. The delegation was informed about the integration of advanced technologies in Lahore to ensure public safety, efficient surveillance systems, and the creation of a secure environment for both residents and tourists. The delegates toured the state-of-the-art Command & Control Centre and observed real-time monitoring of key tourist and historical locations across the city.
They were also briefed on the application of Artificial Intelligence technology in enhancing urban safety and protecting both local citizens and international visitors. Peace, interfaith harmony top priority : Minister The ECO delegation visited several key PSCA initiatives including the Emergency Helpline 15, Facial Recognition System, Pakistan’s first Virtual Women Police Station, the Child Protection Centre, and the Virtual Blood Bank. According to the PSCA spokesperson, the ECO delegation highly appreciated the technological advancements and termed the PSCA system a ‘role model’ for the entire region.
They acknowledged that Pakistan has emerged as one of the safest destinations for tourism in the region. Separately, the delegation of ambassadors visited the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) office during their visit to Lahore. Director General of PITB, Mr Waqar Qureshi, welcomed the delegation and gave a presentation about PITB’s key projects and initiatives, showcasing the board’s contributions to digitalisation and technological advancements in Punjab.
He highlighted flagship projects such as ePay Punjab, Maryam Ki Dastak, e-Khidmat Markaz, eFOAS (Electronic File Office Automation System), and several other digital initiatives spanning health, law and order, education, tourism, and other key sectors. “The initiatives undertaken by PITB are commendable and serve as a great example for other member states in leveraging technology for public service,” said H.E.
Dr Asad Majeed Khan, Secretary General of ECO, during the visit. “We are impressed by the potential for collaboration and knowledge sharing in this sector.” Punjab Police remain on high alert during Christian prayer programmes in churches across Punjab The visit successfully facilitated discussions on potential collaboration and knowledge sharing between PITB and the ECO member states in the field of information technology.
The delegation included H.E. Dr Asad Majeed Khan, Secretary General of ECO; Mr Bahodur Nazir, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Embassy of Tajikistan; H.
E. Fahriddin Nasriev, Permanent Ambassador / Representative of the Embassy of Uzbekistan; H.E.
Muhammad Muddassir Tipu, Permanent Ambassador / Representative of the Embassy of Pakistan; Mr. Firat Bayar, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Embassy of Türkiye; H.E.
Ontalap Onalbayev, Permanent Ambassador / Representative of the Embassy of Kazakhstan; H.E. Ylyas Gayypov, Permanent Ambassador / Representative of the Embassy of Turkmenistan; H.
E. Syed Jalaledin Alavi Sabzevari, Permanent Representative / Director General of MOFA, Iran; and H.E.
Ali Alizada, Permanent Ambassador / Representative of the Embassy of Azerbaijan. Pakistan back on track for progress under PM’s leadership : Rana Mubashir Tags: eco ambassadors arrive.
