Reimagining the Religious Tourism in Pakistan: A Case Study of Kartarpur Corridor

Abstract

This study is an attempt to explore, examine and recontextualize the varied features of Religious Tourism focusing on the Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan, which serves as a symbolic link between Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib and Sikh sanctuaries in India. This paper further encapsulates that Pakistan is bestowed with a diverse tourism industry and offers a fantastic blend of cultural, religious, and natural tourism options. It also elaborates the corridor's historical significance, geopolitical setting, and transformative impact on social, political, and economic sectors. Further, this study also digs deep the historical context of the Kartarpur Corridor, emphasizing its function as a pilgrimage place and its potential to stimulate cross-border connections. The corridor has sparked cross-border cooperation and discourse, demonstrating the diplomatic potential of religious tourism. This study highlights religious tourism's economic importance, emphasizing its role in job creation and boost in tourism industry. Increased pilgrim and tourist traffic could result in increased revenue, job creation, and infrastructure development in neighboring areas. This paper also examines and explores the questions as: What is the potential of religious tourism in Pakistan? What is historical significance of Kartarpur Corridor? What is the Social, Religious and Political dimensions Kartarpur Corridor? and  What is the impact of Kartarpur Corridor on Religious Tourism in Pakistan?