Pakistan’s exhibition calendar is busier than most people realise. From defence hardware in Karachi to textile machinery in Faisalabad and food buyers from 80 countries, the country’s expo centres host some of the largest trade events in South Asia. Whether you are a business owner looking for suppliers, a student exploring careers, or a family looking for a weekend outing, there is an exhibition for you.
This guide covers the biggest and most important exhibitions in Pakistan 2026: what each event is, who organises it, where it is held, who should attend, and when it usually takes place. Where official 2026 dates are confirmed, we list them; where they are not yet announced, we say so clearly (TBA).
Key Takeaways
- The biggest exhibitions in Pakistan 2026 include IDEAS, FoodAg, ITCN Asia, Textile Asia, Build Asia, Pharma Asia, Auto & Transport Asia, 3P Plas Print Pack, and Dawn’s All About Lifestyles Expo.
- Most major trade fairs are held at the Karachi Expo Centre on University Road; Lahore Expo Centre in Johar Town hosts the Punjab editions.
- Many exhibitions are business-to-business (B2B) events that need advance registration; family-friendly consumer shows like Dawn’s Lifestyle Expo usually have free or low-cost entry.
- Always confirm dates on the organizer’s official website or Facebook page before travelling, as dates can shift.
Table Of Contents
- IDEAS 2026 — International Defence Exhibition and Seminar
- FoodAg 2026 — Food & Agriculture Exhibition
- ITCN Asia 2026 — IT & Telecom Exhibition
- Textile Asia 2026 — Textile Industry Show
- Build Asia 2026 — Building & Construction Exhibition
- Pharma Asia 2026 — Pharmaceutical Exhibition
- Auto & Transport Asia 2026 — Auto Exhibition
- 3P Plas Print Pack 2026 — Plastic, Printing & Packaging Exhibition
- Dawn All About Lifestyles Expo — Consumer Lifestyle Show
- 2026 Exhibition Dates at a Glance
- Practical Tips for Visiting an Exhibition in Pakistan
- FAQs
- Conclusion
IDEAS 2026 — International Defence Exhibition and Seminar
IDEAS 2026 is Pakistan’s premier international defence exhibition, held from 24 to 27 November 2026 at the Karachi Expo Centre. It is a biennial (every two years) event organised by the Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) under Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production. The 2026 edition is the 13th IDEAS.
IDEAS brings together armed forces delegations, defence manufacturers, and security companies from around the world. Exhibits cover land systems (armoured vehicles, artillery), air systems (aircraft, UAVs), naval and maritime systems, security and surveillance equipment, and cybersecurity. The event also includes an international defence seminar, B2B and B2G meetings, and MoU signing ceremonies.
Who should attend: Defence industry professionals, government delegations, security equipment suppliers, and engineering students. This is a professional event — entry is restricted and the general public cannot simply walk in.
Organizer: Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO), Ministry of Defence Production, Government of Pakistan. Usual venue: Karachi Expo Centre, University Road, Karachi. Typical timing: November, every two years (even years). Previous editions: November 2024, November 2022.
FoodAg 2026 — Food & Agriculture Exhibition
FoodAg 2026 is Pakistan’s flagship food and agriculture exhibition, taking place from 23 to 26 November 2026 at the Expo Centre in Karachi. Organised by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the fourth edition runs under the theme “Harvesting Innovation, Cultivating Sustainability.”
The 2026 edition is expected to feature more than 500 exhibitors, around 850 international buyers, and participants from over 80 countries. The programme includes business-to-business meetings, agri-tech exhibitions, and a Global Cuisine Show with masterclasses by international chefs. FoodAg is a trade-focused event aimed at exporters, importers, and buyers of rice, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and processed foods.
Who should attend: Food exporters and processors, farmers and agri-businesses, international buyers, packaging companies, and culinary professionals.
Organizer: Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). Usual venue: Expo Centre Karachi. Typical timing: November, every year.
ITCN Asia 2026 — IT & Telecom Exhibition
ITCN Asia is Pakistan’s largest IT and telecom exhibition, and the 2026 edition — the 28th — was held from 22 to 24 September 2026 at the Karachi Expo Centre. Organised by Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., the event drew 75,000+ trade visitors, 800+ booths, 3,500+ global brands, and international delegates from countries including China, South Korea, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Egypt, and the UK.
The 2026 edition ran with the theme “The Future is Intelligent: AI, Transforming Industries, Empowering People,” with sessions on artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, fintech, and startups. It has been running since 2001 and is the longest-running tech expo in the country.
Who should attend: IT companies and startups, telecom professionals, investors, students, government officials, and anyone building a career in technology.
Organizer: Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. Usual venue: Karachi Expo Centre. Typical timing: September, every year.
Textile Asia 2026 — Textile Industry Show
Textile Asia is Pakistan’s longest-running textile industry exhibition, with the 2026 Karachi edition scheduled for 5 to 7 December 2026 at the Karachi Expo Centre. Organised by Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., the show covers the complete textile value chain: textile and garment machinery, fabrics and apparel, dyes and chemicals, embroidery machines, and digital textile technologies.
Textile Asia is held in multiple cities. The 2026 editions included Lahore (July) and Sialkot (July), with the Karachi edition in December and a Faisalabad edition scheduled for 11 to 13 December 2026.
Who should attend: Textile mill owners, garment exporters, machinery suppliers, dye and chemical companies, fashion brands, and textile engineering students.
Organizer: Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. Usual venue: Karachi Expo Centre (December edition); also held at Expo Centre Lahore and in Faisalabad and Sialkot. Typical timing: December (Karachi), mid-year (Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad), every year.
Build Asia 2026 — Building & Construction Exhibition
Build Asia is Pakistan’s leading building material and construction machinery exhibition. The 19th edition was held from 22 to 24 January 2026 at the Karachi Expo Centre, organised by Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., a full member of UFI (the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry).
The event incorporates several co-located shows: Property Asia, Furniture Asia, Stonefair Asia, and Coating Expo, covering construction equipment, building materials, smart building technology, real estate, and proptech. Past editions have drawn around 725 booths, 600+ companies from 20+ countries, and over 60,000 visitors.
Who should attend: Builders, developers, architects, interior designers, real estate investors, construction equipment dealers, and hardware suppliers.
Organizer: Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. Usual venue: Karachi Expo Centre. Typical timing: January, every year. Dates for the 2027 edition are TBA.
Pharma Asia 2026 — Pharmaceutical Exhibition
Pharma Asia is Pakistan’s biggest pharmaceutical sector exhibition. The 24th edition was held from 20 to 22 October 2026 at the Karachi Expo Centre, organised by Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd.
The show focuses on pharmaceutical machinery and technology: tablet presses, capsule fillers, packaging lines, sterilisation units, cleanroom equipment, laboratory instruments, and process automation. The programme includes an inaugural industry session (Pakistan Pharma 2030), networking events, and expert sessions on industry trends. Entry for visitors is free with online registration.
Who should attend: Pharmaceutical manufacturers, machinery and raw material suppliers, regulators, pharmacists, and chemistry and pharmacy students.
Organizer: Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. Usual venue: Karachi Expo Centre (alternates with Lahore in some years). Typical timing: October, every year.
Auto & Transport Asia 2026 — Auto Exhibition
Auto & Transport Asia is Pakistan’s premier annual trade show for the automotive industry. The 2026 Karachi edition was held from 12 to 14 May, and the Lahore edition is scheduled for 4 to 6 November 2026 at the Lahore Expo Centre, organised by Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd.
The exhibition covers auto parts and accessories, commercial vehicles, automotive lubricants, testing equipment, automotive upholstery, and transport and logistics services. It connects local auto parts manufacturers with buyers, dealers, and international suppliers.
Who should attend: Auto parts manufacturers and dealers, car and bike showroom owners, lubricant companies, transport and logistics businesses, and automobile enthusiasts.
Organizer: Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. Usual venue: Karachi Expo Centre and Lahore Expo Centre (alternate editions). Typical timing: May (Karachi) and November (Lahore), every year.
3P Plas Print Pack 2026 — Plastic, Printing & Packaging Exhibition
3P Plas Print Pack is Pakistan’s leading exhibition for the plastics, printing, and packaging industries. The 2026 edition was held from 3 to 5 September 2026 at the Expo Centre Lahore, organised by Fakt Exhibitions (Pvt.) Ltd.
The “3P” stands for plastic, printing, and packaging — three industries that drive a large part of Pakistan’s manufacturing economy. Exhibits include injection moulding machines, printing machines, packaging machinery, flexible films, corrugated boxes, inks, and recycling technology. The event alternates between Karachi and Lahore each year, and dates for the next Karachi edition are TBA.
Who should attend: Plastic and polymer manufacturers, printing press owners, packaging companies, FMCG brand managers, and recycling businesses.
Organizer: Fakt Exhibitions (Pvt.) Ltd. Usual venue: Alternates between Karachi Expo Centre and Expo Centre Lahore. Typical timing: September, every year.
Dawn All About Lifestyles Expo — Consumer Lifestyle Show
The Dawn All About Lifestyles Expo is Pakistan’s best-known consumer lifestyle exhibition, organised by Dawn Media Group. Unlike the B2B trade fairs above, this is a family-friendly public event with around 100 stalls showcasing consumer brands, home products, food, and services — plus entertainment like a children’s pavilion, an all-breed dog show, and a large food court.
The expo has been running since 2001 and is held in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, usually at the Expo Centre in each city. It is free or low-cost to enter and is a good weekend outing for families. Dates for the 2026 editions are TBA.
Who should attend: Families, shoppers looking for expo discounts, home and lifestyle brands, and anyone wanting a relaxed day out.
Organizer: Dawn Media Group. Usual venue: Expo Centre Karachi / Expo Centre Lahore (Johar Town) / Islamabad. Typical timing: Once or twice a year in each city; 2026 dates TBA.
2026 Exhibition Dates at a Glance
| Exhibition | 2026 Dates | Venue | Organizer | Open to public? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Build Asia | 22–24 Jan (held) | Karachi Expo Centre | Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan | Trade visitors (register) |
| Auto & Transport Asia | 12–14 May (held, Karachi); 4–6 Nov (Lahore) | Karachi / Lahore Expo Centre | Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan | Trade visitors (register) |
| ITCN Asia | 22–24 Sep (held) | Karachi Expo Centre | Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan | Trade visitors (register) |
| 3P Plas Print Pack | 3–5 Sep (held, Lahore) | Expo Centre Lahore | Fakt Exhibitions | Trade visitors (register) |
| Pharma Asia | 20–22 Oct (held) | Karachi Expo Centre | Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan | Trade visitors (free registration) |
| FoodAg | 23–26 Nov | Expo Centre Karachi | TDAP | Trade visitors (register) |
| IDEAS | 24–27 Nov | Karachi Expo Centre | DEPO / Ministry of Defence Production | Restricted (professional only) |
| Textile Asia | 5–7 Dec (Karachi); 11–13 Dec (Faisalabad) | Karachi / Faisalabad Expo Centres | Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan | Trade visitors (register) |
| Dawn All About Lifestyles Expo | TBA | Karachi / Lahore / Islamabad | Dawn Media Group | Yes — family friendly |
Practical Tips for Visiting an Exhibition in Pakistan
Register in advance. Most trade fairs require online registration for a visitor badge. Registration is usually free and takes a few minutes on the organizer’s website. Carry your CNIC — some events check ID at the gate.
Go on the first or second day for business. Serious B2B meetings happen early in the event. The last day is often quieter and better for casual browsing and expo-only discounts.
Plan transport and parking. Karachi Expo Centre is on Main University Road in Gulshan-e-Iqbal; parking fills up fast on weekends. Expo Centre Lahore is in Johar Town. Use ride-hailing apps or go early to avoid traffic.
Bring business cards. If you attend for business, carry at least 50 visiting cards. Exhibitors are there to meet buyers and distributors — a short conversation can lead to a distributorship or supply deal.
Combine the trip. If you are travelling to Karachi or Lahore for an expo, it is a good time to get other work done in the city. For example, many exhibitors and out-of-town visitors use the trip to also shortlist wedding venues in Lahore or wedding venues in Karachi for upcoming family events.
Check dates before you travel. Exhibition dates sometimes shift. Always confirm on the organizer’s official website or Facebook page before booking transport or a hotel.
FAQs
What is the biggest exhibition in Pakistan?
IDEAS (International Defence Exhibition and Seminar) is the largest in terms of international participation, with delegations from dozens of countries every two years. Among annual commercial events, ITCN Asia (75,000+ visitors in 2026) and Textile Asia are among the biggest, while FoodAg brings the most international buyers with participants from 80+ countries.
Are exhibitions in Pakistan free to attend?
Many trade exhibitions, including Pharma Asia and ITCN Asia, offer free visitor registration online. Consumer shows like the Dawn All About Lifestyles Expo are usually free or very low-cost. Some specialised events may charge a fee — check the organizer’s website before going.
Where are most exhibitions in Pakistan held?
The Karachi Expo Centre on Main University Road in Gulshan-e-Iqbal hosts most major national and international exhibitions. Expo Centre Lahore in Johar Town hosts the Punjab editions of many shows, and Faisalabad and Sialkot host textile and industry-specific editions.
How can I exhibit my products at a trade fair in Pakistan?
Contact the organizer directly — for Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan events (Textile Asia, Build Asia, ITCN Asia, Pharma Asia, Auto & Transport Asia) and Fakt Exhibitions (3P Plas Print Pack), booth booking opens several months before the event. Book early for corner stalls and main-aisle positions, which sell out first.
Which exhibitions in Pakistan are good for families?
The Dawn All About Lifestyles Expo is the most family-friendly, with food courts, children’s activities, and a dog show. Furniture and lifestyle expos (like the Pakistan Lifestyle Furniture Expo) are also good family outings. Defence and industry trade fairs like IDEAS are professional events and not suitable as family outings.
When is the next IDEAS exhibition in Pakistan?
IDEAS 2026 is scheduled for 24–27 November 2026 at the Karachi Expo Centre. IDEAS is held every two years in even years, so the edition after 2026 will be in 2028 (dates TBA).
Conclusion
Pakistan’s exhibition calendar offers something for everyone — from the massive IDEAS defence show and FoodAg’s international buyers to family-friendly lifestyle expos. Mark the confirmed 2026 dates (FoodAg and IDEAS in November, Textile Asia in December), and watch this space for updates when TBA dates are announced.
Planning to visit an expo in Karachi or Lahore? Read our guides to the best wedding venues in Lahore and the best wedding venues in Karachi to make the most of your trip. Did we miss an exhibition you attend every year? Tell us in the comments.
Last updated: 6 November 2026.
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