Pakistan: From Terrorism to Tourism

Karakoram Range, North Pakistan

If you live in America or Europe and watch news regularly, you would
have probably heard about Pakistan. It is located on the crossroads of the
Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia. It is bordered by Afghanistan
on the north and west. Iran makes up its southwest border.
In the east, it is bordered by India, while on the south is the Arabian Sea.
China sits northeast while Kashmir makes up the rest. Islam is the state
religion of Pakistan, and about 95-98 per cent of people are Muslims.
For a long time, Pakistan has been known for all the wrong reasons. Due
to the negligence of previous governments, terrorism and lack of
facilities
country’s tourism industry saw a drastic downfall but now the image of
Pakistan as an unsafe country for foreign tourists is gradually changing
and Pakistan is becoming the world’s new favorite tourist destination
A country with diverse cultures and natural beauty, Pakistan is heaven
for any tourist. From snowcapped peaks and frozen leaks to serene
valleys and beautiful shores, interspersed with the ruins of ancient
civilizations and Mughal and Abbasi monuments in Lahore and
Bahawalpur, Pakistan is full of breathtaking views. The Kashmir region
is known as heaven on earth for its beauty while Swat valley of North
Pakistan is considered Switzerland of Asia. Moreover, the religious sites
of Hindus and Sikhs are also a great source of attraction for local and
foreign tourists.
Pakistan’s northern region Gilgit is considered heaven for geologists and
mountain climbers. It is blessed with long range of mountains and
beautiful landscapes. The world’s second highest mountain ‘K-2’ and
world’s deadliest mountain ‘Nanga-Parbat’ is also located in this region.
Every year in summers, north Pakistan is filled with thousands of
national and international tourists who keep the local businesses
running. Folks of these regions rely heavily on tourism and in past 5
years the numbers of hotels and restaurants in these areas are doubled
due to the upsurge in tourists.
 K2 mountain Pakistan, World’s second highest mountain
Pakistan has rich culture filled in traditions and customs which
represents the history of this region and if you are travelling in rural or
tribal areas of the country you would observe that after every 100
kilometers, the ethnicity and language changes.
Pakistani people are known for their hospitality and they consider
guests as a gift from God. So, if you are a foreigner in Pakistan, it might
be possible that people will not charge you or not rip you off even when
they can.
Many local languages are spoken in Pakistan depending upon the region,
but Urdu is the national language of the country which connects the
inhabitants of different provinces. English has the status of official
language in the country so curriculum in schools, colleges and
universities is in English. So, English is widely spoken and understood.
The recent upsurge in tourism is the result of the Government of
Pakistan's new shifting policies and decisions to promote tourism in
Pakistan. The Prime Minister of Pakistan believes that tourism can save
Pakistan's struggling economy. In this regard, Pakistan has launched
online visa application facility to 175 countries and 48 counties visa on
arrival service to end mandatory no objection certificate for foreign
tourists seeking to visit certain parts of Pakistan.
British Backpacker Society in 2018 ranked Pakistan as the world’s top
adventure travel destination, describing the country as “one of the
friendliest countries on earth, with mountain scenery that is beyond
anyone’s wildest imagination”. Forbes has endorsed tourism of the
country, putting Pakistan on the list of coolest places to visit in 2019.
i
 Mohenjo-daro Pakistan, Built around 2500 BCE
Imran khan also sees religious tourism as way to boost economy and
create thousands of employment opportunities. In this regard, he has
decided to restore hundreds of neglected worship places of Hindus,
Sikhs and Buddhists. Under his leadership, Pakistan has also shown
interest in opening ‘Katas-Raj’ temple for Indian tourists to visit this
holy shrine via Wagah Border. ii
In November 2019, Pakistan opened ‘Kartarpur Corridor’ giving visa
free access to Indian Sikhs to visit one of their religion’s holiest sites
‘Dera Baba Guru Nanak’ located in Kartarpur, Pakistan which is just a
few miles away from Indian border. Since the partition of India-
Pakistan, Sikhs have been demanding and praying to visit this holiest
site and now each day, hundreds of Indian pilgrims visit this holy site in
Pakistan where their founder ‘Baba Guru Nanak’ spent 18 years of his
life. Pakistan spent millions of US dollars on this corridor which clearly
indicates the ruling government commitment to promote religious
tourism in the country.
In between 2018 and 2019, many international travel bloggers visited
Pakistan and shared their wonderful experience with the world
highlighting the beauty and hospitality of the country. In 2019, the royal
couple Prince William and Kate Middleton also visited Pakistan which
indicates the improved security conditions in the country. These stories
shared by international travel bloggers and visits of royal couple put
Pakistan back on the international world as a tourist destination.

Kate Middleton, Prince William visit Badshahi Mosque, Lahore

Pakistan’s tourism industry has suffered a lot due to the tourism but now
tourism is on the rise but still there are many remaining areas of tourism
development that need to be addressed by the government.
So, if you are a traveler who doesn’t believe in media and want to
experience the lifelong epic adventure with scenic views, visit Pakistan.
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i
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/04/15/these-best-indoor-gardens-can-help-you-grow-
fresh-produce-without-leaving-the-home/
ii
https://www.neweurope.eu/article/pakistani-government-to-restore-historic-hindu-temples/

https://www.newsweekpakistan.com/pti-seeks-religious-tourism-for-pakistan-p-m-khan/