Kund Malir, Balochistan, PakistanGeographically speaking, Balochistan is a land of diverse terrain, with over 750 km of coastline, mountain ranges, and deserts. It is in Pakistan’s southwest and borders Iran and Afghanistan, two significant Muslim nations. Balochistan is home to a variety of natural amenities, such as mountains, deserts, and gorgeous beaches like Kund Malir. The rich cultural legacy of Balochistan is firmly ingrained in its traditions and customs. Balochistan’s distinctive native dance, music, and food all showcase the region’s rich cultural variety. Its culture is also enhanced by the presence of numerous ethnic groups, who are renowned for their friendliness and artistic ability. Balochistan has a lot of untapped tourism potential; it has beautiful beaches like Ormara, Kund Malir, and Hingol National Park, as well as chances for adventure and environment lovers. Balochistan is an alluring tourism destination because of its amazing landscapes, vibrant culture, and unrealized potential. Its hidden riches are becoming more and more apparent as efforts to build infrastructure and encourage tourism are made. It experiences the coldest weather in some places, such as Ziarat Valley, and the warmest temperature in the deserts of Kharan and Chagai due to its large topography and diverse terrain. In addition to being the source of several valuable minerals, the province is known as the “fruit basket of Pakistan” since it produces an abundance of various fruit varieties. The sense of ease and tranquility that permeates Baloch society’s residents is the most alluring aspect. I wouldn’t be incorrect in stating that Balochistan provides its guests with an incredibly hospitable and cozy way of life in an incredibly alluring setting.
Unfortunately, Balochistan is not well regarded as a travel destination, despite the province’s abundance of visually appealing locations. For instance, the over half-a-million-person Zhob district has a lot of promise in this area, in addition to the cattle and agriculture sectors. There are several scenic natural areas in the district. One of the most well-known locations, for example, is Silyaza, which is well-known for its vibrant landscape and tourism potential. Silyaza is also the starting point of the road to Koh-i-Sulaiman (seen above). Both the public and private sectors must give these stunning locations their full attention. In addition to local investors doing their part by making their money talk, the government ought to support these locations. Rough estimates place Zhob’s tourist attractions at over a hundred. Every year, about 10,000 people from bordering Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and other Baloch cities congregate in the area throughout the summer and at major events.
From the perspective of tourism, Balochistan’s vast cultural diversity is quite significant. Balochistan’s culture is multicolored due to its proximity to Iran and Afghanistan, which allows it to absorb the positive impacts of cultural dispersion. The province is distinct in its intangible culture—hospitality, love, and respect—because of its diverse tribal population. Balochi handicrafts are well-known throughout the world and provide a reliable source of revenue for housebound women. Aside from that, visitors from all over the nation come to this place to attend the festivities, particularly the Sibi Festival. A few romantic tales of devoted lovers who have brought priceless gems to the realm of love are also available. Sassi and Punnu’s legendary love remains alive and well in Punnu Fort, which is located close to Turbat. In the same vein, the Hindu community floods Hinglaj Mata, a pilgrimage site in District Lasbela, throughout the spring to celebrate their religious rites.
Additionally, Balochistan’s significance from an archaeological perspective cannot be understated. Mehargarh was the ancient civilization that called it home. The civilization, which dates approximately to 7000 BC, is frequently referred to as the “mother of the Indus civilization.” The location draws visitors from all around the world who are curious about the wonders of the ancient world. In addition, buildings built by the British during their rule over the Subcontinent are highly valuable to visitors. One of these is Fort Sandeman, built in Zhob in 1860 as a military garrison. In a similar vein, the 3.8-kilometre-long Khojak Tunnel is one of South Asia’s longest railway tunnels, and if the government emphasizes its secrets, it may pique tourists’ interest.
The government is aware of the value of tourism in Balochistan, and it has taken steps to promote it, such as holding a seminar in Karachi, and allocating funds for the construction of a rest house for visitors in Taftan for Rs. 100 million, and expanding tourist resorts in Quetta, Ziarat, and Lasbela for Rs. 300 million. Nevertheless, these efforts seem woefully inadequate. For all resorts catering to tourists to grow, the government must devise a comprehensive plan. It would be appropriate to extend an invitation to private enterprises to participate in tourist promotion by showcasing possible destinations and raising public awareness of the value of tourism. Encouraging tourism in the region will generate a lot of income in addition to giving Balochistan a gentle, peaceful image.
