IT is pleasing to note that despite the current tensions between Pakistan and India, hundreds of Sikhs from India came here to attend the annual Baisakhi festival at Gurdawara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal.

Regretfully, the government has so far failed to exploit the huge potential that religious tourism offers. Religious tourism can accrue not only economic benefits but also help project the country’s soft and peaceful image.

Owing to the lack of policy initiatives, the share of travel and tourism in GDP is stagnant at around 2.8 per cent, while in many countries this share is around 30pc. The federal and provincial governments should devise coordinated strategies to boost religious tourism.

Baba Faiz
Ball Nigwar, Balochistan

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2018