PAKISTAN has the unique position of being the birthplace of Buddhism and Sikh religion. There are many places and artefacts in Pakistan that are considered sacred in both religions.

While Pakistan wants to develop such places for religious tourism, it does not have the resources, knowledge and experience of developing these areas. However, countries that have large clusters of Buddhism and Sikh followers may consider offering help in developing the relevant sites inside Pakistan.

The government may ask its counterparts in Buddhist nations and international Sikh organisations to consider developing their religious sites in Pakistan on a 30-year lease build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) agreement.

Pakistan will charge minimum tax on paid facilities at the sites while also allotting land on lease for the development of allied tourist facilities, like hotels, transport, etc., where normal tax may be charged and tourist police will be provided.

This will help attract foreign investment, bring in new technology and improve the standard of the tourist industry.

Shahryar Khan
Peshawar

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2021