REVITALIZING BALOCHISTAN’S UNTAPPED TOURISM POTENTIALS UNDER CPEC

Abstract

Balochistan is mini Pakistan and Pakistan is mega Balochistan. The province has a great deal of significance as far as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is concerned. The geo-strategic importance of Balochistan appears to be a cliché. However, tourism potential of the province is over looked under CPEC. Balochistan is blessed with the distinctive characteristics. The coastal area of Makran has one of the best beaches of the world. Mehargarh Civilization in Balochistan is a great asset for the civilizational tourism. Noshki district possesses desert that can be capitalized for tourism. Nani- Mandar a Hindu temple in Balochistan is emerging as a beacon for religious tourism. Astole Island is well-known island in the world. Ziarat district is the coldest place in Balochistan having the residency of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam. Ziarat produces wild tourism. Hazar Ganji Park in Quetta is famous for wild tourism. Hingol Balochistan National Park spanning in three districts is the largest park in Pakistan. Balochistan holds immense potential of railway tourism. This paper, thus, will explore Balochistan’s tourism potentials by applying mixed research method using both primary and secondary data. The paper will also shed light on challenges to tourism sector in the province and will also provide concrete suggestions to improve tourism under CPEC.