Pakistan is a leading destination for religious and adventure tourism

01-02-25

Pakistan, with its rich cultural heritage and religious diversity, has established itself as a prime destination for religious tourism. The country is home to numerous sacred sites that attract pilgrims and tourists of various faiths, offering a unique spiritual and cultural experience.

The province of Sindh, in southern Pakistan, is a clear reflection of this spiritual richness. In Karachi, the tomb of Abdullah Shah Ghazi, a revered Sufi saint from the 8th century, is a major pilgrimage center. The city of Thatta is home to the majestic Shahjahan Mosque, a 17th-century architectural gem renowned for its intricate geometric designs and imposing structure.

The British colonial legacy has also left its mark on the region, with religious buildings still standing. The Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Hyderabad, built in 1858, is a testament to British colonial architecture. Likewise, All Saints Church in Karachi, with its distinctive Gothic style, reflects the religious and architectural diversity of the era.

Beyond Sindh, Pakistan offers a variety of sacred sites that enrich its religious landscape. The Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, one of the largest in the world, is a symbol of Mughal architectural splendor. In Islamabad, the Faisal Mosque stands out for its modern design and its capacity to accommodate thousands of worshippers. The Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Shrine in Sehwan Sharif is another prominent Sufi pilgrimage center, attracting devotees from all over the country.

During a recent tourism event, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Secretary Tourism and Archaeology, Ms. Midhat Shahzad, highlighted the ongoing efforts to promote tourism in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. “There is a lot in AJK to attract tourists,” she said. He further pointed out that there are ample opportunities for adventure tourism in the region and work is underway to improve tourism facilities.

Ms. Midhat Shahzad also emphasized that Azad Kashmir has great potential for religious tourism with various sites of historical and spiritual interest. As far as infrastructure is concerned, she assured that it is adequate, but mentioned that there are opportunities for private sector investment, particularly in the construction and improvement of cable cars to facilitate access to certain areas.

On the other hand, the Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Archeology and Museums of Punjab, Farid Ahmed Tarar, highlighted the initiatives that the Punjab government is taking to promote tourism. In this regard, he announced that projects valued at Rs. 16 billion have been launched for the development of 15 different tourist sites, demonstrating the region's commitment to promoting tourism.

The government of Pakistan continues to invest in restoring sacred sites and improving tourism infrastructure to facilitate access to these sites and provide an enriching experience for visitors. In addition, Pakistani cuisine is another attraction for tourists. Traditional dishes such as biryani, nihari and seekh kebab are part of the cultural experience that visitors can enjoy while exploring these historical sites.

For those wishing to discover this side of Pakistan, it is recommended to plan ahead, respect local norms and customs, and be open to experience a deep spirituality and connection to history. With its diversity of religious sites, natural landscapes and cultural traditions, Pakistan projects itself as an unrivaled destination for religious and adventure tourism.

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