SCO names Lahore as its ‘Tourism and Cultural capital’
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has designated Lahore, Pakistan, as its Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026-27. The announcement was made during the SCO summit in Bishkek, emphasizing regional connectivity and cultural exchange.
Why it matters
This designation serves as a diplomatic tool for Pakistan to enhance its international profile and foster regional cooperation within the SCO framework.
Pakistan’s cultural hub, Lahore, has been named the Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026-27 by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
The decision was announced at the 26th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
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The Tourism and Cultural Capital title has been annually rotated among SCO member states since 2022 and aims to promote people-to-people contacts and tourism among member states while highlighting the cultural heritage of the country holding the organisation’s rotating presidency, Dawn newspaper reported.
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