Pakistan unlocks new growth frontiers in Agriculture, Tourism

December 24, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan is experiencing a transformation in its agriculture and tourism sectors, with recent policy reforms and infrastructure development positioning the country as an emerging frontier for international investment in South Asia.

In a significant development for Pakistan's agricultural economy, the government lifted a long-standing ban on cotton seed imports earlier this year, following direct advocacy from industry leaders.

The swift policy change, enacted within two months of engagement with the Prime Minister, is expected to revitalize the struggling cotton sector that underpins 60% of Pakistan's exports through textiles.

The reform addresses a critical supply crisis, with cotton production having fallen to just 7m bales last year against industry requirements of 15m bales, according to reporting published by the internationally renowned USA Today.

The policy shift is projected to boost domestic production and reduce Pakistan's costly $3bn annual cotton imports from the United States and Brazil.

"Seed is the backbone of agriculture, and cotton is the backbone of our economy," said Shahzad Ali Malik, Chief Executive of Guard Agricultural Research and Services, who spearheaded the reform initiative.

Guard Agri is now advancing research into genetically modified cotton varieties to further enhance yields.

Guard Agri, operating across 42 countries with exclusive Pakistani branding, continues expanding its hybrid rice seed program.

The technology has doubled yields per acre from approximately 50 to over 100 maunds in Sindh and Balochistan provinces, directly boosting farmer incomes and reducing rural poverty.

"Pakistan offers fertile ground for growth, not just in agriculture but across industries," Malik emphasized, highlighting opportunities for foreign investment in seed technology, machinery, and food processing sectors.

Pakistan's tourism sector is undergoing rapid modernization, with government initiatives targeting growth from $738m in receipts during 2024 to a projected $3.3bn by 2028.

The expansion is driven by strategic infrastructure investments and regulatory reforms designed to improve accessibility and visitor experience.

Major developments include the Kohsar Tourism Expressway connecting Rawalpindi, Murree, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, reducing travel times and opening new economic corridors.

Airport upgrades and expanded domestic carrier networks are improving connectivity between major cities and northern tourism hubs.

The government has simplified visa regimes with online application systems and visa on arrival facilities for dozens of nationalities, while plans to develop twenty new tourist destinations indicated commitment to expanding capacity and modernizing facilities.

Serena Hotels, a flagship hospitality operator with 33 properties across eight countries, is expanding its northern Pakistan presence with properties in Hunza and another under construction in Sost near the China border.

The developments focus on eco-tourism and cultural preservation while creating local employment opportunities.

Market forecasts suggest strong fundamentals for long-term tourism growth, with investment opportunities spanning hospitality development, eco-lodging, adventure tourism infrastructure, and heritage restoration projects.

Pakistan's agricultural transformation began gaining traction in the late 1990s when Guard Agri introduced hybrid rice seeds through partnership with China's Yuan Long Ping High Tech Agriculture Company in 1999.

Initially facing farmer resistance due to higher costs, adoption accelerated by 2009 following comprehensive training programs and field demonstrations.

The success earned recognition through national honors, including the Sitara-i-Imtiaz awarded to Malik for contributions to the agricultural sector.

However, cotton production declined dramatically from 14.5m bales in 2012, creating urgency for the recent policy reforms that have now opened pathways for sector recovery.

In tourism, international arrivals had surpassed two million before the 2020 pandemic disrupted global travel.

Recovery has been uneven, but the foundation of Pakistan's tourism appeal remains intact: five of the world's fourteen peaks above 8,000 meters.

Ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites including Mohenjo-Daro and Taxila, Mughal architectural masterpieces, and diverse climates offer year-round travel opportunities.

Copyright Mettis Link News