Significant Surge in Religious Tourism: Pakistan to Iraq Travel Sees Up to 20% Increase
In a noteworthy development, Pakistan has witnessed a remarkable upswing of up to 20% in the number of travelers embarking on a journey from its soil to the sacred land of Iraq. This surge can be attributed to the growing trend of religious tourism, drawing a substantial number of pilgrims and devotees.
According to official sources from the Iraqi embassy, the past 40 days have seen an impressive tally of approximately 65,000 individuals seeking visas for their pilgrimage to Iraq. This figure not only surpasses the numbers from the previous year but also showcases a remarkable surge of up to 20%.
Diplomatic circles indicate that this trend might further escalate in the upcoming 10 days, potentially pushing the count to a staggering hundred thousand pilgrims. This burgeoning interest in travel for religious purposes underlines the deep spiritual connections that many Pakistanis hold with Iraq.
The influx of pilgrims has also been a boost for the travel industry. Travel agents report a considerable expenditure of around 1.9 billion rupees on these journeys to Iraq, reflecting the economic implications of this surge in religious tourism.
As this trend continues to gain momentum, it not only strengthens the cultural ties between the two nations but also has economic implications for both Pakistan and Iraq. The heightened movement of pilgrims showcases the enduring significance of religious landmarks and the role they play in connecting people across borders.