THE INTERSECTION OF IQBAL’S LITERATURE AND THE CPEC CORRIDOR: A NEW FRONTIER FOR LITERARY TOURISM

Abstract

Literary tourism is a growing field globally, where visitors are drawn to places associated with literary figures and their works. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) stands as a transformative project connecting the eastern and western worlds through its diverse landscapes, infrastructure, and cultural histories. Within this geographical context, the poetic and philosophical works of Allama Muhammad Iqbal—one of the pre-eminent thinkers of South Asia—offer a deep connection to the historical, spiritual, and cultural sites spread across the CPEC route. Pakistan has not fully harnessed the literary and intellectual potential of Allama Iqbal's legacy to attract international and domestic tourism yet. CPEC will not only benefit China and Pakistan but will have positive impact on Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asian Republic, and the region. However, this paper delimits the study of the literary and cultural relevance of the sites mentioned in Iqbal's poetry, examining how the infrastructure of CPEC within Pakistan intersects with Iqbal's geographical and intellectual mapping. By analysing the route of CPEC in light of Iqbal's works, this study seeks to uncover the cultural significance of these spaces, understanding how they may be used to promote literary tourism while preserving the intellectual legacy of Allama Iqbal. This research employs a qualitative, mixed-method approach combining textual analysis and geographical mapping.