Pakistan Ranks 101st in Tourism: Peace and a Favorable Environment are Essential for Tourism

Do travel enthusiasts know that World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27? Every corner of Pakistan is so beautiful with such enchanting scenery that it makes you want to explore the stunning locations. A large number of both domestic and foreign tourists visit Pakistan. When foreign tourists arrive in Pakistan, they spend some time in Islamabad’s Margalla Hills and then head towards the northern areas. The towering, rugged mountains, waterfalls, streams, and rivers all add to the charm of the northern regions.

The most popular tourist destinations are Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu, Hunza, Chitral, Naran, and Kaghan. As you venture along the treacherous paths, your eyes are soothed, and your heart is comforted. I will share more about these experiences, but the theme for tourism in 2024 is “Peace.” Tourism will flourish if there is peace, but if there are tense situations, neither tourism nor the economy will thrive.

I was deeply concerned to learn that despite Pakistan being a significant tourist destination, with foreign tourists visiting and returning home happily, documenting their experiences, and writing about their safe travels, Pakistan still ranks 101st out of 119 countries in tourism. And this is not my claim; it’s the data from the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index. With a score of 3.41, Pakistan’s travel and tourism sector contributed 5.8% to the GDP in 2023, adding 5.59 trillion Pakistani rupees. It is expected that by the end of 2024, this share will increase to 6.1%, with an estimated 5.91 trillion rupees. According to Pakistan’s 2024 tourism profile, the country ranks 97th in business environment and 106th in safety and security, which was surprising but understandable given the frequent unrest that affects the tourism sector.

The 2024 Global Terrorism Index reports that Pakistan experienced 490 attacks last year, the highest number in any country, ranking it 4th out of 163 countries. However, the Global Peace Index states that Pakistan improved by two places, rising from 142nd to 140th. Pakistan is ranked 100th in health and hygiene and 109th in human resources and the labor market. The 2024 index also reveals that Pakistan ranks 147th out of 184 countries in economic freedom.

Looking at this data, it’s clear that the responsibility for Pakistan’s economic success doesn’t lie solely with institutions; the citizens must also play their part. If unrest is created, making the country undesirable for tourists, the entire nation suffers, not just one individual.

It’s also worth mentioning that it’s not just foreign tourists who avoid Pakistan; local tourists also hesitate to visit places where their safety might be at risk. A small example is Murree, where tourists were harassed, and disputes were common. As a result, many who once enjoyed visiting Murree abandoned their plans. Ensuring a peaceful environment isn’t just the responsibility of security forces but also the local residents. Due to ongoing tensions, tourism to Swat has also decreased. On the global stage, the war between Russia and Ukraine has severely affected Russia’s tourism industry. Tourism brings peace of mind when travelers are confident that their journey will be safe and enjoyable.

While maintaining peace is essential, technology also plays a vital role. We live in a digital age where everyone wants to upload reels and vlogs instantly. Tourists want to share their experiences quickly, but many are disappointed due to poor network connectivity. According to the 2024 Travel and Tourism Index, since the beginning of the year, around 128 million people in Pakistan have faced internet disruptions. When there’s no internet, tourists struggle to stay connected with their loved ones.

This is the index data; now let’s talk about tourism itself. Pakistan is full of tourism opportunities, from Karachi to Khyber, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir— the entire country is a treasure trove of natural beauty. In Karachi, the restless waves of the sea attract tourists, tempting them to face the crashing tides. If you take a boat ride from Sea View, you’ll see the beautiful mangroves along the shore. These trees not only enhance the beauty of the sea but also serve as a protective barrier. If these trees are cut down, Karachi and the Indus Delta would be severely affected. Moving from Karachi to Islamabad, you can visit Daman-e-Koh, Shakarparian, Rawal Lake, Shah Faisal Mosque, and the ancient caves at Shah Allah Ditta. Further north, you can visit Murree, Galliyat, Bhurban, and Patriata. Patriata Top in Murree is truly stunning. In the northern areas, you can visit Hunza, Skardu, and Gilgit-Baltistan, while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kumrat and Jahaz Banda are excellent tourist destinations.

I remember visiting Kumrat and then going to Kala Chashma; it was a great experience, and it felt like the trip was worth it. Moving forward to Jahaz Banda, I was in awe of the beauty—snow-capped mountains, clouds shading the peaks, and the sun bidding farewell behind the mountains in the evening. Pakistan can certainly generate significant revenue from these scenic spots, but the key is to ensure a peaceful and favorable environment.

According to the 2024 Travel and Tourism Index, Pakistan has recently relaxed its visa policy to promote tourism and improve the economy. Online e-visa services are now available to 192 countries, and visa-on-arrival is offered to 64 countries, while online visa applications can be made by citizens of 126 countries.

It would be remiss not to mention climate change here. Many tourist spots in Pakistan have suffered due to weather conditions, largely because of litter and pollution. I’ve personally seen tourists leave trash at these beautiful sites, damaging the environment. Women often leave dirty diapers behind, further worsening air pollution. I read a local resident’s complaint on social media that while people care about forgetting valuable items like purses and phones, no one ever mentions leaving behind diapers, plastic wrappers, or bottles. Tourists should enjoy these beautiful valleys but also act responsibly.

Pakistan’s ranking of 101 in tourism requires collective efforts. Laws have already been made to protect Margalla Hills in Islamabad, and you should read the bill that was introduced when fires in Margalla became a daily occurrence a few months ago.

The new bill in the Senate is aimed at protecting the natural environment and wildlife in Islamabad. The Islamabad Environment and Wildlife Management Act 2024 extends to the federal capital’s boundaries. It will be enforced immediately, banning the hunting, shooting, or capturing of any wildlife within a two-kilometer radius of national parks. There will also be restrictions on cutting, uprooting, or damaging plants, as well as prohibitions on activities that disturb breeding grounds. Any construction for residential or commercial purposes within this area will also be prohibited.

This law is certainly a great step toward protecting Islamabad’s Margalla Hills, wildlife, and combating climate change. It would be even better if similar laws were introduced for other tourist spots so that tourism could thrive, the environment remains favorable, and tourists feel safe in a peaceful, well-maintained setting.

Pakistan Ranks 101st in Tourism: Peace and a Favorable Environment are Essential for Tourism

Do travel enthusiasts know that World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27? Every corner of Pakistan is so beautiful with such enchanting scenery that it makes you want to explore the stunning locations. A large number of both domestic and foreign tourists visit Pakistan. When foreign tourists arrive in Pakistan, they spend some time in Islamabad’s Margalla Hills and then head towards the northern areas. The towering, rugged mountains, waterfalls, streams, and rivers all add to the charm of the northern regions.

The most popular tourist destinations are Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu, Hunza, Chitral, Naran, and Kaghan. As you venture along the treacherous paths, your eyes are soothed, and your heart is comforted. I will share more about these experiences, but the theme for tourism in 2024 is “Peace.” Tourism will flourish if there is peace, but if there are tense situations, neither tourism nor the economy will thrive.

I was deeply concerned to learn that despite Pakistan being a significant tourist destination, with foreign tourists visiting and returning home happily, documenting their experiences, and writing about their safe travels, Pakistan still ranks 101st out of 119 countries in tourism. And this is not my claim; it’s the data from the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index. With a score of 3.41, Pakistan’s travel and tourism sector contributed 5.8% to the GDP in 2023, adding 5.59 trillion Pakistani rupees. It is expected that by the end of 2024, this share will increase to 6.1%, with an estimated 5.91 trillion rupees. According to Pakistan’s 2024 tourism profile, the country ranks 97th in business environment and 106th in safety and security, which was surprising but understandable given the frequent unrest that affects the tourism sector.

The 2024 Global Terrorism Index reports that Pakistan experienced 490 attacks last year, the highest number in any country, ranking it 4th out of 163 countries. However, the Global Peace Index states that Pakistan improved by two places, rising from 142nd to 140th. Pakistan is ranked 100th in health and hygiene and 109th in human resources and the labor market. The 2024 index also reveals that Pakistan ranks 147th out of 184 countries in economic freedom.

Looking at this data, it’s clear that the responsibility for Pakistan’s economic success doesn’t lie solely with institutions; the citizens must also play their part. If unrest is created, making the country undesirable for tourists, the entire nation suffers, not just one individual.

It’s also worth mentioning that it’s not just foreign tourists who avoid Pakistan; local tourists also hesitate to visit places where their safety might be at risk. A small example is Murree, where tourists were harassed, and disputes were common. As a result, many who once enjoyed visiting Murree abandoned their plans. Ensuring a peaceful environment isn’t just the responsibility of security forces but also the local residents. Due to ongoing tensions, tourism to Swat has also decreased. On the global stage, the war between Russia and Ukraine has severely affected Russia’s tourism industry. Tourism brings peace of mind when travelers are confident that their journey will be safe and enjoyable.

While maintaining peace is essential, technology also plays a vital role. We live in a digital age where everyone wants to upload reels and vlogs instantly. Tourists want to share their experiences quickly, but many are disappointed due to poor network connectivity. According to the 2024 Travel and Tourism Index, since the beginning of the year, around 128 million people in Pakistan have faced internet disruptions. When there’s no internet, tourists struggle to stay connected with their loved ones.

This is the index data; now let’s talk about tourism itself. Pakistan is full of tourism opportunities, from Karachi to Khyber, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir— the entire country is a treasure trove of natural beauty. In Karachi, the restless waves of the sea attract tourists, tempting them to face the crashing tides. If you take a boat ride from Sea View, you’ll see the beautiful mangroves along the shore. These trees not only enhance the beauty of the sea but also serve as a protective barrier. If these trees are cut down, Karachi and the Indus Delta would be severely affected. Moving from Karachi to Islamabad, you can visit Daman-e-Koh, Shakarparian, Rawal Lake, Shah Faisal Mosque, and the ancient caves at Shah Allah Ditta. Further north, you can visit Murree, Galliyat, Bhurban, and Patriata. Patriata Top in Murree is truly stunning. In the northern areas, you can visit Hunza, Skardu, and Gilgit-Baltistan, while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kumrat and Jahaz Banda are excellent tourist destinations.

I remember visiting Kumrat and then going to Kala Chashma; it was a great experience, and it felt like the trip was worth it. Moving forward to Jahaz Banda, I was in awe of the beauty—snow-capped mountains, clouds shading the peaks, and the sun bidding farewell behind the mountains in the evening. Pakistan can certainly generate significant revenue from these scenic spots, but the key is to ensure a peaceful and favorable environment.

According to the 2024 Travel and Tourism Index, Pakistan has recently relaxed its visa policy to promote tourism and improve the economy. Online e-visa services are now available to 192 countries, and visa-on-arrival is offered to 64 countries, while online visa applications can be made by citizens of 126 countries.

It would be remiss not to mention climate change here. Many tourist spots in Pakistan have suffered due to weather conditions, largely because of litter and pollution. I’ve personally seen tourists leave trash at these beautiful sites, damaging the environment. Women often leave dirty diapers behind, further worsening air pollution. I read a local resident’s complaint on social media that while people care about forgetting valuable items like purses and phones, no one ever mentions leaving behind diapers, plastic wrappers, or bottles. Tourists should enjoy these beautiful valleys but also act responsibly.

Pakistan’s ranking of 101 in tourism requires collective efforts. Laws have already been made to protect Margalla Hills in Islamabad, and you should read the bill that was introduced when fires in Margalla became a daily occurrence a few months ago.

The new bill in the Senate is aimed at protecting the natural environment and wildlife in Islamabad. The Islamabad Environment and Wildlife Management Act 2024 extends to the federal capital’s boundaries. It will be enforced immediately, banning the hunting, shooting, or capturing of any wildlife within a two-kilometer radius of national parks. There will also be restrictions on cutting, uprooting, or damaging plants, as well as prohibitions on activities that disturb breeding grounds. Any construction for residential or commercial purposes within this area will also be prohibited.

This law is certainly a great step toward protecting Islamabad’s Margalla Hills, wildlife, and combating climate change. It would be even better if similar laws were introduced for other tourist spots so that tourism could thrive, the environment remains favorable, and tourists feel safe in a peaceful, well-maintained setting.