An Exploratory Study Of Religious Tourism In Pakistan- Stratagem For Sustainable Interfaith Relations

Abstract

Religious tourism signifies the travels to sacred places to meet religious obligations (like pilgrimage) and spiritual requirements. A follower is supposed to get spiritual motivation by visiting the sacred place of his religion. Almost every religion such as Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism has holy places of its own. Religious tourism has been a significant part of civilizations since ancient times. Pakistan has a rich history that made it the cradle of many civilizations, religions and dynasties. So, houses of worship, Buddhist temples, chapels, gurudwaras and archaeological sites of many civilizations are among the tourist destinations that strongly influence any visitor to Pakistan to attend his religious destination. This article aims to highlight religious tourism drivers and their effects in the case of Pakistan by applying qualitative and ex[1]plorative research methods. Pakistan has always been expediating its minorities with their basic rights and assisting the followers of different faith in performing religious tours such as Pakistan provided Sikhs with the Kartarpur corridor. Cases like this will be highlighted in this article concerning interfaith relations. Pakistan, as a home to momentous religious and historical places, can pave the way to interfaith harmony. Facilitating the followers of different faiths in religious tours can be a highly beneficial strategy for sustainable interfaith relations and harmony.