THE ROLE OF LAW IN DEVELOPING PAKISTAN'S TOURISM POTENTIAL: LEARNING FROM SOUTHEAST ASIA

Pakistan possesses immense tourism potential due to its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical significance. However, the country has struggled to fully capitalise on this potential due to inadequate legal frameworks, weak regulatory mechanisms, and governance challenges. This paper explores the critical role of law in fostering sustainable tourism development in Pakistan, drawing lessons from Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, which have successfully transformed their tourism sectors. The study examines key legal instruments, including eco-tourism regulations, cultural heritage protection laws, and investment policies, that have contributed to Southeast Asia's tourism boom. By conducting a comparative analysis, the paper highlights gaps in Pakistan's existing tourism laws and policies, such as insufficient environmental safeguards, inadequate infrastructure regulations, and limited incentives for foreign investment. It concludes with actionable recommendations for aligning Pakistan's tourism policies with international best practices, ensuring that legal frameworks not only boost tourism but also preserve the country’s natural and cultural assets for future generations.