Balochistan tourism boost has far-reaching effect on economy.

• Author: Fazl-E-Haider, Syed
• Position: Balochistan, Pakistan

Byline: Syed Fazl-E-Haider

Pakistan can earn millions of rupees in terms of foreign exchange by developing tourism industry in Balochistan. With the development of Gwadar Port and the implementation of mega projects under huge China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) plan, Balochistan has attracted international attention. The province can emerge as prime focus of attention of foreign tourists for its colossal potential in tourism sector.

Endowed with natural treasure trove, captivating scenery, significant sites of multifold importance, variety of flora and fauna, diversity of climates and unique geology, the province possess huge potential for development of tourism. Unfortunately, no efforts were made to develop tourism industry in the province at official level over the past six decades. The decision-makers in Islamabad tried to keep Balochistan a 'dark region' denying its natural endowments. Hence, the province remained unattractive for foreign tourists and investors.

Balochistan with an area of about 347,182 square kilometers comprises of four distinct climate regions - tropical coastal region, sub tropical continental plateau, sub tropical continental low lands and sub tropical continental high lands. The 770km long coastal belt along the Arabian Sea linking Lasbela and Gwadar districts can be developed as lovely tourist site. Fascinating beach of Gwadar, Jabl-e-Zarin beach at Pasni, 20km long Jiwani near Iranian port city of Chabahar, Daran beach at Jiwani and many sites along coastal belt may be converted to a tourist rendezvous.

Makran coast has great economic potential. Makran Coastal Highway is the proposed northern route. It is the principal transport corridor. The coastal highway will help tap tourism potential of Gwadar and other districts sharing the coastal belt of Balochistan. The virgin beaches of Makran have immense tourism potential. The attractive landscape of Makran along the coastal highway is of immense importance for the development of tourism. For instance, the geology of 75-km Buzi Pass is considered a natural site of tourist attraction. Another tourist attraction in Makran is the live 'mud volcanoes' throwing a mixture of water and mud, but no burning lava.

The geography of Balochistan with five ecological zones plus a host of spots and sites of immense historical importance make the province a bonanza of attention for foreign tourists. Historically, Makran has an importance in Muslim history as the Muslim...