Dawood Tareen, Focal Person for the Balochistan Tourism Department, emphasized Balochistan’s vast tourism potential, suggesting that tapping into this resource could not only enhance Pakistan’s image internationally but also significantly benefit the economy, according to an interview with WealthPK.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province, is rich in cultural heritage, diverse traditions, and a range of historical sites. The province’s 800-kilometer coastline holds strong tourism prospects, with notable attractions like the iconic Princess of Hope rock formation, Hingol National Park, natural mud volcanoes, the sacred Hinglaj Temple, the ancient site of Mehrgarh, and the world’s largest juniper forest.
Tareen pointed out that while Balochistan has great potential to draw eco-tourism enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and off-road adventurers, there’s a pressing need to improve infrastructure, marketing, transportation, healthcare, hospitality, and other essential travel services. Although security has improved, many travelers remain hesitant, impacting sustainable income opportunities for those in the tourism sector. While CPEC has improved road connectivity within the province, Tareen stressed the importance of developing more tourist-friendly facilities to fully unlock Balochistan’s tourism potential.
“To make Balochistan a global tourism destination, a well-planned marketing strategy is essential,” Tareen said. He advocated for promoting the province’s attractions through digital media, travel expos, documentaries, social media, magazines, and virtual tourism. Establishing a dedicated tourism board and launching targeted promotional campaigns could be crucial steps. Strengthening the tourism sector would not only generate revenue and foreign exchange but also boost the economy, creating new job opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking with WealthPK, Deputy Director of Tourism for Baltistan in Gilgit-Baltistan, Rahat Karim Baig, echoed Tareen’s sentiments, noting Balochistan’s natural beauty and potential to attract both domestic and international tourists if adequate facilities are provided. He emphasized that developing the necessary infrastructure requires focused efforts, as tourism is a growing global industry, and now is the time for Pakistan to claim its share. Promoting tourism in Balochistan needs both provincial and national collaboration to unlock the region’s true potential.
