Religious Tourism in Pakistan: Govt Plans New Motorways and Hotels to Boost Pilgrim Travel

Religious tourism in Pakistan is set to grow as the government plans new motorways and tourism facilities across the country. The projects aim to improve travel for pilgrims and attract more international visitors.

A meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Wednesday. Officials reviewed several motorway expansion plans and tourism initiatives to support religious tourism in Pakistan.

Motorway Expansion Plans Announced

According to officials, the Lahore–Sialkot motorway will be expanded from two lanes to three lanes. Construction work is expected to start soon to handle increasing traffic.

Work on expanding the Sialkot–Kharian motorway and Islamabad motorway to three lanes will also be accelerated. These projects aim to reduce congestion and improve travel between major cities.

New Sialkot–Rawalpindi Motorway Project

The government has also planned the Sialkot–Rawalpindi motorway in partnership with the Frontier Works Organization (FWO).

Officials said this project will reduce the distance between Lahore and Islamabad by around 100 kilometers. Travel time could also decrease by nearly one hour once the motorway becomes operational.

Better Access for Sikh Pilgrims

A key part of the plan focuses on religious tourism in Pakistan. Secure three-lane motorways will connect Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib to major road networks.

These routes will help Sikh pilgrims traveling from India and other countries reach holy sites more easily and safely.

Hotels and Facilities to Support Tourism

The government also plans to build three- to five-star hotels, shopping malls, and other tourist facilities near religious sites.

Officials believe these developments will encourage foreign investment and improve Pakistan’s international image as a religious tourism destination.

Investment Promotion Abroad

The National Highway Authority (NHA) has been directed to organize roadshows in Europe, Britain, Canada, and the United States.

These events will promote investment opportunities in infrastructure projects linked to religious tourism in Pakistan.

Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said the upgrades will reduce traffic congestion and prepare the road network for future travel demand while strengthening tourism and commercial activity.