Religious tourism is actually visiting attractions in a city of religious importance. It is a particular form of activity that is completely and strongly motivated by religion. (2022). It can be defined as an activity specifically oriented towards a religious culture with the help of a definite eco-cultural environment and activities such as worship, research and visits carried out by religious followers and tourists. Religious tourism has undergone continuous development and expansion in the modern tourism industry. About 40 per cent of the world's tourism revenue is generated from religious tourism, and Pakistan has just begun to develop this market with enormous potential. Religious tourism is an important reason of income source and means of

employment in the country.

Pakistan is a country endowed with many tourist attractions, especially religious ones. (Alaverdov & Bari, 2022) It houses several cultural heritage sites associated with Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism. The major holiest sites of Sikhism are located in the Southern Punjab of Pakistan and are considered the most important sites to be visited by Sikh pilgrims. These cities of Pakistan host religious centres not only have a cultural landscape but also promotes industrial and trade activities in the form of marketing and local business. (Kalim, Majeed Khan & Syed, 2022). Millions of tourists’ visit these religious sites from Pakistan and abroad. The Sikh community is attracted yearly to perform their religious obligations worldwide. Among many other sacred sites of Sikhism, the Gurdwaras of Nankana Sahib, Narowal and Hasanabdal are a great fascination for Sikhs. ("Religion: why faith is becoming more and more popular", 2022). The international visitor visiting Pakistan are then attracted to the natural splendour of Northern areas and other holiest places of diverse religions like Sufis Shrines and other historical sites.

Pakistan has a significant potential for religious tourism with a number of historic sites. But, due to a lack of policy framework, their perspective is not yet fully realized. The objective of this research is to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of religious tourism in Pakistan and suggest more standards in the development of this sector so as to make a significant contribution to the tourism market.

The research has been carried out through a set of descriptive approaches to explore the importance of Sikh Gurduwaras in Pakistan. The literature review was carried out through reconnaissance surveys, interviews of concerned officials and analysis of journal articles. The research also analyses the statistical data of visitors attracted to these holy setups indicating their tourist potential. The SWOT analysis was done to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Sikh religious tourism in Pakistan.

Religious tourism is important as it is done to

fulfil religious compulsions and commitments. The general essence of religious tourism denotes travelling with the prime motive of undergoing religious deeds. Religion and tourism are interlinked with each other as both have similar effects on the specific area like, the products they bring such as traditions, culture, art and architecture. (Singh, 2019)

Religious tourism can be depicted initially in Islam, Christianity and Jews as their pioneer form of tourism were in the form of visiting pilgrimages visiting such as Mecca and Jerusalem respectively. They have always been one of the leading factors to set an example for others to travel. In history, religious tourism was in the form of spreading the word of religion to different parts of the world and for this purpose, people travelled far across. This resulted in spreading knowledge areas as well as economic growth.

Pakistan has renowned religious tourism sites of Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. Among these, the major holiest sites of Sikhism lie in the Southern Punjab area of the country. People of the Sikh community visit these cities to satisfy their religious commitments. About four hundred and eighty inbound locations have been identified by Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), specifically encompassing the religious tourism potential of Pakistan, where one hundred and six are of historical significance, one hundred and twenty religions, and twenty-six religions and history. (BeBe Sumra & Alam, 2022) (Table1).

Table 1. Number of Religious Tourism Sites in Pakistan

Source: (BeBe Sumra & Alam, 2022)

The Historical significant Gurdwaras located in Southern Punjab Pakistan are an indispensable fragment of the Sikh community and depict the history of the Sikh religion. The Sikh religion was in fact originated and established in the Punjab areas that lie in Pakistan now.

Presently Pakistan Sikh religious tourism

has significant potential. Recently, the Kartarpur border has also been opened for the Sikh pilgrimages to get easy access to their religious destination site of Gurduwara Darbar Sahib, Narowal (2022). The government of Pakistan's initiatives include the introduction of a mobile app to ease the travel constraints for the visitors facilitating the restaurants, hotels, roads and service stations guide to the visitors. (Saher, Tharwani & Ahmad., 2020).

Another significant historic site for the Sikh religion is Nankana Sahib which is considered to be the birthplace of Guru Nanak who was the founder of the Sikh religion. There are around 195 gurdwaras across Pakistan. The research will be

highlighting the few important ones among

these significant structures. Table2

Table 1.

Source: htmlhttp://www.discoversikhism.com/sikh_gurdwaras/gurdwara_sri_patti_sahib.html

Among the existing Gurduwaras, the major priority and most willingly visited ones by the Sikh community are the Gurduwara Janam Asthan-Nankana Sahib, Gurduwara Rorri Sahib-Eminabad, Gujranwala, Gurduwara Darbar Sahib- Narowal and Gurduwara Panja Sahib Hasanabdal. Fig.1.

Significant Sikh Gurduwars in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Source: Student thesis report (Akhter, 2021)

Darbar Sahib Narowal

Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Narowal (Fig 2) also known as the Kartarpur corridor is significant regarding religious concerns of the Sikh community as is the last resting place of Guru Nanak Sahib, the religious leader of Sikhism. ("Why the tourism industry has failed in Pakistan | eTurboNews | eTN", 2022). Thus it holds a pilgrimage worthy of significance for the followers of the Sikh religion. It got caught in the middle of the Hindu-Muslim divide, during the partition of India. Negligible Head was given to Sikh sensitivities until the 21st century, during the Indo-Pak Relationship.

In its history, Guru Nanak founded Kartarpur in 1504AD and after his death in 1539AD, after a long time span in 1925 Kartarpur complex was built. After extensive conflicts between Indo-Pakistan goverments, finally, in 2012 Indo Pakistan foreign ministers discussed a visa-free corridor to facilitate the Sikh pilgrims and finally, in 2018 Kartarpur corridor inauguration was through which Punjabis of both states can come closer and contact as well. (Awasthi, 2022)

It is now considered a case study of how the best facilities can be provided in the best interest of enhancing Sikh tourism potential in Pakistan. (Fig 3). It is further now required to extend this route of Sikh pilgrim sites in southern Punjab so as for the best interest of Pakistan's religious tourism enhancement.

View of Darbar Sahib, Narowal

Source: https://www.etpb.gov.pk/kartarpur-corridor/

Layout plan of Darbar Sahib, Narowal

Source: https://www.etpb.gov.pk/kartarpur-corridor

Punja Sahib Hasanabdal

Pakistan had religious importance in Sikhism and considers Hasanabdal as a significant one due to the presence of the Gurdwara Punja Sahib. (Fig 4) It is located about 48 km from Rawalpindi. It’s an attractive, calm and convenient halting point. Hasan Abdal is a historic town located in northern Punjab. There are diverse symbols of historical periods of Buddhist, Mughal, Sikh and British invaders in this town. The existence of Gurdwara Punja Sahib and the natural exquisiteness are the factors that attract tourists from all over the world. The Gurudwara is located in the central zone among the other historical structures from Mugal and Hindu time periods but reflects its own worth. The magnificent setup includes the main prayer chamber in the centre with a water pond with fishes, the sacred hand print of Baba Guru Nanak for the Sikh community, some residential rooms, the administrative offices and the dining hall with a kitchen area. (Qaisar, 2001) The rapid population growth and haphazard planning of the residential and commercial units have shattered the spiritual essence of monuments disturbing the urban face of the town. (Khilat, 2021)

Layout plan of Punja Sahib, Hasanabdal

Source: Author

Layout plan of Gurdwara Rorri Sahib, Eminabad, Gujranwala

Source: Student thesis report (Zainab, 2021)

View of Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib

Layout plan of Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib

Source:(Akhter, 2021)

Last Few Year Data of Religious Tourists

Due to the developmental works at various Gurdwara and the provision of modern facilities for Sikh pilgrims, the number of pilgrims (particularly Diaspora Sikh) has significantly increased in the year 2018. But due to Covid-19 restrictions and constraints in the year 2020-2021, there was a significant decrease in the number of visitors.

Last Five Year Data of Religious Tourists

Source: ETPB

Agreed Protocol between India & Pakistan Regarding Visit of Indian Pilgrims to Pakistan

As per the agreed protocol between Pakistan and Indian Governments, the following number of Sikh Table2 and Hindu Table3 pilgrims can visit Pakistan on various occasions during a calendar year but have been significantly improved with the provision of required facilities.

Source: ETPB

Pakistan has diverse sets of religious tourism assets in the form of prominent Sikh heritage and religious sites. The only point is to understand their importance at the community and government level to the extent that they should be uplifted to enhance their inbuilt tourism potential. Every year, the Sikh pilgrimages visiting Pakistan to perform their required religious obligations are facilitated with the best possible amenities at the local level. The SWOT analysis shows that Pakistan has a huge potential for religious tourism with a number of Sikh Gurdwaras sites located in Southern, Punjab, Pakistan. But, their perspective is not yet fully understood due to planning gaps and policy frameworks. To advance tourism, wide extending mindfulness campaign at the national level is required. Promotion of tourism industry by public awareness campaign and provision of five-star hotel accommodation required within the cities of important Gurdwaras accommodating the social, religious and dietary needs of guests. The mandatorily required facilities for the pilgrims such as hotels should be constructed within close proximity of the major Gurdwaras. Other than that the market areas in close proximity to the Gurdwaras should be promoted to benefit the local economy. Initially, the Pakistani policymakers should work out the possibility of arranging joint approach planning by the Sikh community and the Pakistani concerned authorities. A secure and relaxing environment should be provided for Sikh travellers, breaking the fear and political pressures between Pakistan and India. The cultural essence of the area is to be heightened and promoted. Thus both the conservation of built and unbuilt heritage is required to be restored and preserved. Conservation of historic towns of religious importance should be done at appropriate times and conditions rather than destroying and waiting for the monument to vanish from the scene.