Tourism Downfall: Sectarianism an Apparent Major Cause, in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Pakistan
2012; Volume: 19; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês
ISSN
1994-1080
Autores Tópico(s)Politics and Conflicts in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Middle East
ResumoAbstractA study survey was conducted in Gilgit-Baltistan, to investigate the major cause of rapid turn down in the inflow of tourists, which has adversely affected the tourism sector, since last decade. We analyzed tourists' inflow data, obtained from Foreign Registration Office, Gilgit. A significant reduction, in tourist inflow data, was observed since 1998, when inflow was 1, 13,399 tourists, with minimum inflow i.e., 2,000 tourists in 2002, and 2,544 in 2009. Further, the linkage of this reduction in tourist inflow with sectarianism, was investigated by conducting surveys on cultural diversity; influences of sectarian clashes; war and terror; and consequent changes in the ratio of incoming tourists, to reach the final conclusion. The findings of our study showed, that the prolonged local sectarian clashes seem to be the major causes of tourism down fall. In addition to the sectarian clashes, political instability; and war against terrorism in country, are the apparent causes, which contribute to unconstructive marketing for the distressed area. Revitalization of collapsed tourism sector and opening of sustainable community-based ecotourism initiatives through reformed policies, that address the mountain concerns and cooperative action of all stakeholders, can tackle challenges for tourism, which will ultimately root out unfavorable circumstances that cause tension in this region.Key words: Sectarianism, Gilgit-Baltistan, terrorism, tourism, PakistanIntroductionNorthern mountainous region of Pakistan, known as Gilgit-Baltistan, covers 72,496 km2 area, which comprises Karakorum, Hindu Kush, and Western Himalayan range. This region, blessed with abundance of natural resources, attracts millions of tourists every year. Having three huge mountain ranges, GB enjoys an important geographical location (Figure 1), as it links Pakistan with China in the northeast, Afghanistan in northwest, Azad Kashmir in south and southeast, Indian occupied Kashmir in south and, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the west. This region is the source for most of the fresh water, biodiversity, gemstones, and mineral resources. Gilgit is the administrative capital of this region. GB is famous for cultural diversity, mountain ranges, world's largest glaciers outside polar region, and unique biodiversity (Bansal, 2008; DTESC 2007; GCIC 2009). It is heaven for mountain-lovers, explorers, adventurers and researcher, from all round the world; however, besides this region's global significance, tourism potentials are also poorly understood at local and national levels.The widespread sectarian clashes, relative remoteness, and political instability, that lead to prolong curfew; emergency; closure of the market; target killing; business loss; and exploitation of natural resources, seem to have altered the tourism sector to an alarming rate. Sectarian aggression in GB, is not accidental, it has deep roots in history associated with religious, political, geopolitical and social intentions. The clashes first evolved, during the Afghan clash (Grare, 2007; Lakshman, 2003), have quickly acquired form of international terrorism, drawing attention of politicians as well as extremists from all over the world, with different motives in this area. In Pakistan the sectarian clashes were uncommon prior to 1947, but started frequently after 1980s, as result of mass killings for Islamisation by Zia ul-Haq, and violent stand against the Shias by Jamaat Ulema Pakistan, and Jamaat Ulema Islami (JUI) (Grare, 2007). The Islamization strategy of General Zia-ul-Haq, 1980s Afghan crisis, and Iron insurgency in 1979, had collective effect on sectarianism proliferation. Sectarianism is getting more threatening shape with the passage of time, due to the persistent ignorance of the region by government of Pakistan. Besides sectarianism, terrorism a violent act that countries swap (Chen, et.al; 2004) against innocent human beings, has evolved from riots, conflicts, and sectarian clashes, in Pakistan. …
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