How is climate change impacting tourism in Pakistan?

Pakistan Visa

Tour guides in Punjab report that tourists are starting to feel the hit of 40 degrees Celsius and are changing their plans to explore more of the northern part, where they feel refreshed. This situation is only a tiny part of a more significant issue. Pakistan has registered its hottest summer in 61 years and the ninth hottest since 1961. The heatwave meant that springtime was over, and it looked more like summer in Lahore. Most visitors who come to the capital between March and April want to leave immediately due to the heat and head to the mountains. As a result, Lahore has seen a noticeable drop in foreign visitors who used to stay until the end of May.

Knockout punch for Pakistan

Lahore is the second-largest city in Pakistan and is only 25 kilometers from the Indian border. It has built a cultural tourism industry for centuries on its architectural heritage and British and Mughal influences. However, the city hasn't been fortunate, as it has faced crisis after crisis in the tourism industry. After September 11, the city was hit by deadly attacks. The military had to intervene to bring security to the town. Lahore saw an increase in tourism until COVID-19 hit Pakistan. Although it was a problem that affected all regions of the world, it was another blow to a city that had already suffered a lot. That was when the climate change talks started in Pakistan, which impacted tourism.

'Most polluted city'

It was during the lockdown that residents were able to see clear skies. They realized how traffic used to bring in an annual smog festival that made the air unbreathable. However, Lahore took a new hit when it became the world's most polluted city in the past year. The former director of Punjab's Environmental Protection Department once mentioned that Lahore was an excellent example of the harmful impacts of climate change.

The lack of environmental regulation and political will continues to exacerbate Pakistan's ecological troubles, leading to the degradation of tourism. Industrial emissions from burning crop residues, brick kilns, and general waste will continue to be a climate change issue if they aren't tackled soon. A climate policy that could make a difference in Pakistan is the promotion of electric vehicles. Solar energy and renewable technologies could also provide an alternative.

Pakistan Visa

You can contribute to the tourism industry in Pakistan by making plans for Lahore. Although you know the heat is intense, you can take precautions beforehand. Before visiting Pakistan, you must check the travel documents you need. In this case, depending on your nationality, you will likely need a Pakistan Visa.

The electronic visa is available for tourist purposes, and iVisa can help you with the digital procedure to get it. You must complete an online form with your data and wait for an email with the electronic document. Submit it to the immigration authorities in Pakistan, and you are ready to explore. Remember that you have customer service agents available for any questions.