Ziarat is poised to become a leading tourist destination in Pakistan. Particularly for residents of Sindh and Balochistan, for whom northern Pakistan is often too distant, Ziarat offers an accessible and attractive alternative. However, despite its natural allure, Ziarat currently lacks essential tourism infrastructure.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has announced a comprehensive plan to transform Ziarat into a modern tourist resort. This initiative aims to address existing deficiencies and elevate Ziarat to the standards of renowned tourist spots like Murree and Galiyat in Punjab and K-P. A key component of this transformation is the formulation of a comprehensive tourism policy. This policy will focus not only on enhancing physical infrastructure but also on showcasing Ziarat’s unique beauty and cultural heritage. Such a dual approach will help create a distinctive identity for Ziarat as a tourist destination. The CM has stressed the importance of consultation with elected representatives and local stakeholders in planning and executing this development project. This collaborative approach is essential to ensure that the development aligns with the needs and aspirations of the local community. Additionally, incorporating insights from successful models will provide valuable guidance for effective tourism planning and management. By learning from successful strategies implemented elsewhere, the Ziarat Development Authority can avoid common pitfalls and adopt best practices in tourism development.
The success of Ziarat as a tourist destination depends on the timely and effective implementation of proposed policies. This includes swift construction of infrastructure and tourist facilities along with robust marketing campaigns to position Ziarat prominently on the tourism map. Ziarat possesses all the elements necessary to become a premier tourist destination of Pakistan. All that is needed is strategic investment and planning.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2024.
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