LAHORE: Lahore has been designated the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026-27, giving Pakistan’s historic city a prominent platform to showcase its cultural heritage and tourism potential across SCO member states.
The announcement was made during the 26th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, which was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The designation is expected to strengthen Lahore’s role in promoting Pakistan’s history, traditions, architecture, cuisine, arts and cultural diversity to audiences and visitors from SCO countries.
The SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital title is rotated annually among member states. The initiative was introduced in 2022 to highlight cities that represent the cultural identity and heritage of the country holding the organisation’s rotating presidency.
Pakistan assumed the SCO presidency for the current term, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif setting the theme of the country’s chairmanship as “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity.”
Lahore’s selection provides an opportunity to promote tourism and strengthen people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and other SCO member states. The initiative is also expected to encourage cultural exchanges and greater interaction between communities.
The decision to designate Lahore for the 2026-27 term was approved earlier this year during a meeting of heads of tourism administrations from SCO member states in Bishkek.
Lahore is one of Pakistan’s most important historic and cultural centres. The city is renowned for its centuries-old heritage, historic architecture, literature, arts, education, traditional cuisine and vibrant cultural life.
Before Lahore, the Tourism and Cultural Capital title was held by Varanasi (2022-23), Almaty (2023-24), Qingdao (2024-25) and Cholpon-Ata (2025-26).
The designation is expected to further raise Lahore’s international profile and provide Pakistan with an opportunity to showcase its cultural heritage and tourism attractions across the SCO region.
