FAITH-BASED TOURISM AND PROMOTION OF PEACE IN PAKISTAN

Religious tourism and religious diplomacy serve as two significant components that foster commonality, establish connections, and encourage tolerance and harmony among various societal groups. This global relationship dismantles barriers of animosity and unfamiliarity, advancing inclusiveness and pluralism, stimulating economic activities, and contributing to worldwide economic prosperity. Regional tourism represents a substantial global sector, offering considerable opportunities for visitors to sacred sites and locations of religious significance during various events. Pakistan, characterized by its diverse society, boasts a profound cultural and religious legacy encompassing faiths such as Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Christianity, and the country's historical sites of significance to various faiths can be used as a bridge for interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence. Faith-based tourism in Pakistan is an important sector that can contribute to promoting peace, unity, and cultural understanding. Pakistan is home to a rich diversity of religious communities. This paper will discuss the challenges, which hinder its growth in the country and find out possibilities of religious excursions to assist in bridging the gaps between the people of different religions.