Pakistan's Heritage Tourism — Ancient Civilizations, UNESCO Sites and a Billion-Dollar Opportunity

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan attracted over one million international tourists in 2025, marking an 820 per cent increase from previous years, as the country's rich heritage and UNESCO-listed sites drive a tourism revival. The government has introduced online visa facilities for citizens of 192 countries and visa-on-arrival for 120 nations as part of a comprehensive 10-year National Tourism Strategy aimed at making tourism contribute 10 per cent of GDP.

In April 2026, the Kalash valleys in Chitral, along with Kot Diji, Naukot, and Umerkot forts in Sindh, were added to UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List, taking Pakistan's listed sites from 25 to 29. This was the first time an entire living community and its culture have been included on the list.

"This is a significant achievement towards the preservation of Kalash culture," said Dr Abdul Samad, KP's Director General of Archaeology and Museums.

UNESCO Heritage Sites

Pakistan currently has six UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Mohenjo Daro, Taxila, Takht-i-Bahi, Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens, Makli Necropolis, and Rohtas Fort. The government plans to nominate five more sites for UNESCO listing, including the Karez water management system in Balochistan, Hiran Minar in Punjab, Ranigat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Port of Banbhore and Nagarparkar in Sindh.

Heritage Preservation Challenges

However, heritage preservation remains a challenge. Reports in March 2026 warned that Taxila's sites — particularly Mohra Moradu and Sirkap — risk being placed on UNESCO's 'List of World Heritage in Danger' due to controversial restoration work by the Punjab archaeology department that allegedly compromised the authenticity of ancient structures.

Tourism Initiatives

The government has launched several initiatives to boost tourism:

• Online Visa System — Citizens of 192 countries can now apply for visas online, with 120 countries eligible for visa-on-arrival
• Air Safari Service — Sindh government announced an air safari between Karachi and Mohenjo Daro to boost cultural tourism
• Tourism Festival — A large-scale Tourism, Sports, and Family Festival launched in Islamabad to revive the sector
• International Cooperation — Uzbekistan and Pakistan deepened their tourism alliance in May 2026 with new agreements on joint packages and marketing

Economic Impact

The 10-year National Tourism Strategy aims to increase tourism's contribution to GDP to 10 per cent, generate jobs, and boost foreign exchange earnings. The sector has already shown remarkable growth, with over one million international tourists visiting Pakistan in 2025 alone.