Sindh offers unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty: CM

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Sunday said Sindh offered a unique blend of ancient civilisation, history, culture and natural beauty, with vast potential to become an attractive and safe destination for domestic and international tourists. In a message on World Tourism Day, CM Shah said Sindh was home to one of the world's oldest civilisations and a custodian of the heritage of the Indus Valley civilisation. He described Mohen Jo Daro as a testament to thousands of years of Sindh's civilisation and Ranikot Fort, also known as the "Great Wall of Sindh", as an important part of the province's historical heritage. The chief minister said Sindh's tourism potential extended from its archaeological sites and historic buildings to mountains, deserts, lakes, the Indus River and the coastline. He highlighted Gorakh Hill for its scenic mountain landscape and Faiz Mahal in Khairpur as an example of the province's architectural and cultural heritage. He also mentioned Sadhu Belo, Shah Jahan Minar and Sukkur Barrage among Sindh's important historical and cultural attractions. According to the chief minister, the Kirthar mountain range, Karoonjhar Hills, Thar Desert and Achhro Thar represented the province's distinctive natural beauty and desert culture, while Manchar, Keenjhar and Haleji lakes offered opportunities for tourism and recreational activities. He said Bhanbhore and Keti Bandar were important symbols of Sindh's ancient civilisation, history and trading heritage, while the province's coastline and marine islands had significant potential for tourism. The chief minister said islands, including Manora, Bundal, Badu, Shamspir, Baba Bhit and Oyster Rocks could offer opportunities for marine tourism. He added that the coastal belt from Karachi to Keti Bandar, including Sea View, had considerable potential for marine and recreational tourism. Highlighting Sindh's architectural heritage, CM Shah said the historic Makli necropolis and Chaukhandi tombs reflected the province's rich history, architecture and culture. He said tourism was not merely about visiting scenic locations but also about connecting with thousands of years of civilisation, history, traditions and culture. The chief minister said Sindh's Sufi traditions, folk culture, handicrafts, music and hospitality gave the province a distinctive tourism identity. He added that tourism could help strengthen the local economy and create employment and business opportunities, particularly for young people and local communities. CM Shah said modern technology, digital platforms and artificial intelligence could be used to promote Sindh's tourist attractions globally and attract international visitors. He added that World Tourism Day was a reminder of the need to preserve historical heritage, protect natural beauty and promote sustainable tourism. The chief minister said his government was continuing efforts to preserve historical sites and improve facilities for tourists. He invited tourists from Pakistan and abroad to explore Sindh, saying the province offered diverse experiences - from Mohen Jo Daro, Ranikot and Gorakh Hill to Karoonjhar, Thar, Keenjhar, Keti Bandar and Karachi's beaches. The chief minister reiterated the government's commitment to developing Sindh as an attractive, safe and world-class tourism destination while preserving its historical and cultural heritage.