Recent snowfall in the upper regions of Balochistan has once again transformed the mountains of Ziarat, Kan Mehtarzai and surrounding areas into a stunning winter landscape. Snow-covered peaks, misty hills and centuries-old juniper forests have created picturesque scenes that traditionally attract thousands of tourists every winter. However, despite these ideal conditions, tourist inflow to Balochistan remains significantly lower than in previous years.
Although traffic on the Quetta–Ziarat road has seen a slight increase following the snowfall, tourism stakeholders say the number of visitors is nowhere near past levels. The period when thousands of tourists flocked to Quetta and Ziarat during the winter season now appears to be a distant memory.
People associated with the tourism industry attribute the decline primarily to deteriorating security conditions. Syed Ammar, Information Secretary of the Association of Karachi Tour Operators, said that until about two years ago, the security situation in Balochistan was relatively stable, encouraging large numbers of tourists to visit the province.
He said that during peak winter seasons, between 1,000 and 5,000 tourists traveled weekly from Karachi, with total winter tourist numbers exceeding 10,000. “Now, due to worsening conditions, this number has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 tourists, forcing many travel agents to face severe financial losses and near shutdowns,” he added.
The downturn has also badly impacted the hotel industry. Elias Ahmed, a hotel owner in Quetta, told that tourist arrivals have sharply declined over the past two to three years. “Hotels used to remain fully booked during snowfall season, generating earnings of Rs10 to 15 million per season. Unfortunately, those days are gone,” he said. He urged the provincial government to improve security and restore tourist confidence, which could also create employment for local communities.
Balochistan holds enormous tourism potential due to its diverse landscapes, coastal areas and historical sites. Attractions such as Ziarat’s juniper forests, Hanna Lake, Ziarat Residency, Gwadar, Kund Malir, Hingol National Park, the Princess of Hope, and valleys in Harnai, Muslim Bagh, Khuzdar and Kalat could attract both domestic and international tourists if properly developed.
Experts believe that with improved security, infrastructure and promotion, tourism in Balochistan could generate billions of rupees, create thousands of jobs and significantly strengthen the provincial economy.
Meanwhile, the Government of Balochistan says efforts are underway to promote tourism. Official sources claim the Chief Minister has invited private investors to establish hotels, resorts and restaurants at major tourist destinations, while steps are also being taken to improve security and basic facilities.
Tourism stakeholders believe that coordinated efforts by the government, private sector and local communities could revive Balochistan’s tourism industry and turn its scenic winter landscapes into a lasting source of economic growth.
