KARACHI: The Ministry of Tourism, Environment & Climate Change, Government of Sindh celebrated World Tourism Day with an event held at the famous & historic Mohatta Palace.
Organized by the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), the celebration was a testament to the rich heritage of Sindh and a call to promote sustainable tourism.
Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (rtd) Maqbol Baqar said that the government would invest in the development of eco-friendly tourism destinations across the province while prioritizing conservation, low-impact infrastructure and community involvement.
The event witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including the Chief Minister and Governor of Sindh. The occasion was also graced by the presence of the Secretary of the Tourism Department, Government of Sindh, and Deputy Consul General of the US Consulate, among other esteemed dignitaries.
Arshad Wali Muhammad, Minister for Tourism, Environment & Climate Change emphasized the importance of promoting global tourism while ensuring that destinations like Sindh are not merely visited but deeply experienced. He stated, “It is in understanding and embracing diverse cultures that we truly become citizens of the world.”
Commending the event, the Chief Minister of Sindh urged collaboration between the private and public sectors to make Sindh more tourism-friendly. He stated, “Let us harness the power of tourism not only to showcase the beauty of our land but also to ensure a greener future for all.”
The CM said that this year’s theme, “Tourism and Green Investment,” resonates deeply with us in Sindh, as we strive to create a sustainable and environmentally conscious tourism industry. He said that tourism has always been a powerful driver of economic growth, fostering job creation, cultural exchange, and regional development and we should celebrate the immense potential of tourism and the vital role it plays in our global economy. “Sindh, with its rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and stunning natural landscapes, is poised to be a prime destination for tourists, however, the true potential of tourism lies not only in economic benefits but also in its capacity to promote sustainable practices and protect our environment,” he maintained.
The festivities at Mohatta Palace featured a diverse range of cultural performances, including a captivating folk dance, an alghoza instrumental performance, and live music by renowned singers.
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, speaking at the occasion said that Sindh is bestowed with captivating natural beauty and we could achieve economic stability by projecting our rich culture, heritage, historical and archaeological sites and promoting the available tourism opportunities across the globe. Stressing the need to focus on the promotion of tourism in Sindh and the development of basic infrastructure to facilitate it the Governor urged all the stakeholders to join hands for the great cause.
Sindh Tourism Minster Arshad Wali Muhammad said that Sindh is often referred to as Land of Saints but it has a lot to offer including majestic and elegant architecture, melodic folk music. “Destination like Sindh rich in culture and heritage are not just visited but deeply experienced,” he remarked.
Deputy Consul General of USA Jimmy Morgan, terming it a unique opportunity to promote tourism said that USA was extending support to Pakistan under the Green Alliance Framework for the promotion of not only green tourism but also to combat with impacts of climate change. The US government was assisting Pakistan in a project of conservation of 4 historical buildings as well as development of Eco-friendly electricity generation and transformation of transport vehicles on renewable energy sources, he added.
Secretary Culture and Tourism Abdul Aleem Lashari and MD Sindh Tourism Development Corporation also spoke at the occasion while a documentary was also screened featuring tourism attractions present in Sindh.
