ISLAMABAD – The three-day Balochistan Grand Tourism Festival began on Friday at Lok Virsa, Islamabad, with the support of the Ministry of National Heritage. The event was inaugurated by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Khan Bugti, while Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi welcomed the chief guest.
The festival features stalls displaying Balochistan’s traditional cuisine, clothing, and cultural artifacts, highlighting the province’s rich heritage, tourism potential, and archives.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Minister Bugti said that the festival would promote Balochistan’s culture across the country. “Balochistan is the land of hospitable people, and just as its people welcome guests, its seas, mountains, and plains also greet visitors with open hearts,” he remarked. He emphasized that Balochistan has immense potential in tourism and culture, assuring investors and partners that all their issues would be resolved through a “one-window operation.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Tourism, and Law Mir Zareen Khan Bugti highlighted the province’s natural beauty, including beaches at Gadani, Kund Malir, Golden Beach Gwadar, and the Hingol forests. He also noted the significance of religious tourism sites such as the Hinglaj Mata temple, and the world-renowned juniper forests in Ziarat. He invited national and international donors and private firms to collaborate in exploring and benefiting from Balochistan’s natural resources.
Lt. Gen. (R) Hasan Azhar Hayat Khan, Managing Director of Green Tourism, stressed the need to involve local communities for sustainable tourism development. He proposed the establishment of a Tourism Police to ensure the security of visitors and promote a positive image of the province. He also underscored the importance of launching cruises and ferries to strengthen coastal tourism and expanding religious tourism opportunities.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan praised the initiative of the Government of Balochistan, stating that such events are vital to projecting the province’s positive image. He emphasized that Pakistanis want to travel with their families to beautiful destinations, and Balochistan offers excellent opportunities. “If we invest in our own country, the world will also invest here,” he added.
Secretary Culture and Tourism Sohail Rehman Baloch thanked all participants and appreciated the Ministry of Culture and Lok Virsa for their efforts in highlighting Balochistan’s cultural heritage.
The festival will continue for three days, offering visitors a glimpse into the vibrant traditions and untapped tourism potential of Balochistan.
