Balochistan – Unexplored Paradise On The Earth 

Neelam Lashari

Lahore: While the world calls it a conflict zone, a restive province, an insecure region, and home of underprivileged and traditional and conservative particularly when it comes to gender roles.

All this may be true but for me, as I have discovered during my recent-past trip, it is one of the most charming provinces of Pakistan. Its inhabitants are models of simplicity, hospitality and tranquility. It is also the land of hidden treasures and distinct tourist attractions.

Being a nature lover, I often remain in search of a time when I can be close to nature. This time destination was Balochistan. When there I not only spent time to get the know nature closely but also surprisingly ended up exploring some hidden tourist attractions.

Yes! I’m recalling my experiences in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province in terms of land area. The province is vast and constitutes most of the southwestern region of the country.

For tourists, it offers the beauty of Pir Ghayb waterfall, Moola Chotok, Quaid-e-Azam residence, Hanna Jheel, Pir Chattal Noorani Gandhawa, Astola Island, and many other tourists attractions making it one of the most attractive regions of Pakistan.

The most appealing feature that I observed, in Baloch society, is the feeling of comfort and tranquility that oozes out of its inhabitants. It would not be wrong if I was to say that Balochistan offers a wonderfully welcoming and comforting lifestyle in the most appealing environment to its visitors.

Although, it is underrated and tourists are still unable to explore the breathtaking beauty of this province. However, with investment and sincere efforts by the national and local administrations, Balochistan has the real potential of generating huge revenue. The province accounts for 44 percent of the total area of Pakistan. Balochistan is a GOD-gifted place, enriched with mineral resources, mountains, lakes, and landscapes.

Balochistan is one of the charming provinces of Pakistan. It is blessed with mountains, lakes, seas, waterfalls, ancient cultures, flora, and fauna.

Pakistan is the fifth most populous country. It has countless places that continue to fascinate me and grab my attention. Balochistan is no different. Here, I’m referencing a few of the wonders that the province has to offer:

Pir Ghaib Pir Ghaib is one of the most stunning places that I visited in Balochistan. It is a waterfall located in the Bolan region of Balochistan. It is situated some 43 miles away from Quetta. I saw the waterfall outpour from the rocky mountain and generate its way through many creeks and ponds among the shady palm trees which truly elated Pir Ghaib is the most attractive place, and it can generate good revenue, especially in summer. Although, the provincial government has taken many measures to promote this waterfall still that has remained hidden from many tourists’ eyes. I am most certainly recommending it to every nature lover.

Hanna JheelMy next stop was Hanna Jheel in Urak Valley, which is some 17 KM away from Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan province. It is considered as one of the most popular tourist attractions. This beautiful place stuns more in the winter with its frozen and frosted look. In summer, boats are available to explore every nook of the lake. I found it to be a calm, soothing and serene place.

Moola ChotokI had heard a lot about Moola Chotok, therefore, how i could miss exploring it during my trip? So, Moola Chotok was my next distinction to explore. It is a hidden canyon located in Khuzdar district of Balochistan province. It is considered the biggest waterfall surrounded by a downward waterfall and lofty bluffs. The most interesting thing about this place is that it faces extreme weather. In summer, being the hottest place in Pakistan, and in winter, it is considered to be the most coldest place. Somehow, remains hidden from potential tourists. I hope that the government takes such measures to make it an international standard tourist attraction.

Hingol National ParkHingol National Park is a jaw-dropping place I visited on my trip. I haven’t seen this much beauty around the globe. It is a natural wonder of Pakistan located 200 Km northwest of Karachi. It has natural rocks including “The Princess of Hope” and “The Balochistan Sphinx.”

The Princess of Hope The Princess of Hope left me speechless because of the beauty that speaks for itself. It can easily be seen from very far away, and it resembles a gargantuan statue. Residents told me that one of the most famous Hollywood actresses, Angelina Jolie, gave it the name “Princess of Hope” during her visit to Pakistan in 2004. I wonder how it can be hidden from the eyes of nature lovers for so long.

The Balochistan Sphinx The Balochistan Sphinx was another specialty that left me mesmerized. It is also known as the Lion of Balochistan. It is a natural rock that resembles Sphinx. The amazing landscape of Hingo National Park also gave me a stunning view from Makran Coastal Highway. Another attraction of Hingo National Park is its Kund Malir Beach. The deep blue water and the rock statues enhance its beauty to the top, and its serenity ends my trip to the park in a serene and relaxing manner.

Pir Chattal Noorani GandhawaPir Chattal Noorani Gandhawa is another stunning tourist destination in Balochistan. It is an incredible oasis in the center of Jhal Magsi. It is heaven on earth, and local people told me a mysterious story behind its captivating look. It’s a natural cave between desert plains which makes it more eye-catching. The fascinating oasis helps thousands of occasional fish in the water. The mystery lies behind it that if you hook or eat one of Pir Chattal’s fishes, you may either die of poisoning or the fish comes out of your mouth alive in one piece. This myth turns it to be a massive tourist attraction in Balochistan. I was unsure whether to hunt or not. I am confused! Help me, Maybe, I will hunt for the fish on my next visit.

Astola IslandAstola Island is the largest offshore Island located in Gwadar. It has seven hillocks and a sizeable tilted plateau and its serenity is beyond imagination. This hidden gem of Pakistan has three more beaches found on the Island.

The deep turquoise blue water makes it look refreshing and mesmerising. The water birds include gulls, plovers, godwits, coursers, curlews, and sanderlings. Whales, Dolphins, Species, and fishes present in the surroundings were increasing the beauty of the Island. I am sure it will catch the attraction of nature lovers from around the globe.GOD has gifted Balochistan with the most stunning beauty. The need of the time is to take international standard measures that can grasp the eye of tourists from around the globe. It will not only be helpful to the economy of Pakistan, but it will also open many new avenues for Balochistan and its deprived people.

There are numerous other tourist attractions places which I have explored during my recent trip to Balochistan. I’m sure those places can be the most favorite tourist stop for you. More about them, you will read in the next episode.

Additional input by Shazia Mehboob.