Ahmed Khan Malik

The Balochistan government is working on a policy to develop the province’s tourism sector on modern lines for economic well-being of the local population. 

“The tourism policy would help tap the potential of this sector for creating jobs,” Mustafa Buledi, Director of Investment Cell, told WealthPK.  He said the Ziarat valley, a beautiful tourist destination, would be developed on modern lines to attract local and foreign tourists. “Planning to develop the valley would be made on the model of Murree and Galiyat,” he said, adding that Ziarat valley needed to be introduced to the world as a best tourist destination. Buledi said that input of the members of the district council would be sought in the development of Ziarat valley. He said that the quarters concerned had been instructed to prepare a draft and submit it to the government for approval. He said that development of tourism sector would play an important role in boosting the economy of the province.

He said Balochistan boasted a stunning coastal stretch, and there were ongoing efforts to develop ecotourism resorts, beach parks, floating jetties, and relaxation spots along the coastline to cater to both domestic and international tourists, including those visiting Gwadar for business reasons.  He said the government would invest sufficient amounts to satisfy the needs of both visitors and the local population while preserving the culture and heritage. He said the government would impart training to people working in the tourism industry. He said the ongoing dimensional changes in the tourism sector, importance of marketing and current strategies would also be part of the training.

Buledi said that Balochistan province possessed huge tourism potential, much of which remained to be explored. He said the province boasted a delicate and distinctive attraction of its own in the form of a number of tourist destinations. He said growth in tourism sector played a major role in giving the less-developed regions equal opportunities of development. “Tourism development at the provincial level could catalyse new dynamics that help improve the general economic growth,” he said, adding that it could also significantly contribute to improved land use and planning by attracting more people to new regions.

Credit: INP-WealthPk