Need for Strategic Promotion to Make Kund Malir a Sustainable Tourism Hub in Balochistan

Islamabad:The Kund Malir beach in Balochistan, located along the stunning Makran coast, has immense potential to become a major tourist destination and a significant source of income for the region. However, experts emphasize that to unlock its true potential, there is a need for a strategic promotional effort both nationally and internationally.

Kund Malir is already a popular spot for tourists due to its proximity to the Hingol National Park, home to rare flora and fauna. The area is also known for its breathtaking natural features, including sand dunes, the historic Kund Malir Fort, mud volcanoes, the famous Princess of Hope rock formation, the Buzzi Pass, and the sacred Hinglaj Temple.

Despite these unique attractions, Kund Malir remains relatively unknown to both domestic and international tourists, primarily due to limited promotion and a lack of targeted marketing. According to Dawood Tareen, the focal person for the Tourism Department of Balochistan, the beach’s tourism potential has largely gone untapped.

“Despite its distinct features, Kund Malir remains largely unexplored by tourists due to insufficient and unfocused promotion, both within Pakistan and abroad. However, steps are being taken to raise awareness of local tourist sites, particularly the beaches,” said Tareen. He stressed the need for greater international accessibility, which could be achieved through proper marketing strategies.

Tareen also highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism development and creating employment opportunities for local communities. “With the right marketing approach, Kund Malir can easily attract international attention. There is a need for proper infrastructure development to make the area accessible to both domestic and foreign tourists, which is essential for promoting coastal attractions,” he added.

In recent years, tourism along coastal regions has seen an upward trend, and Kund Malir, like many other coastal areas, urgently requires upgraded infrastructure and facilities to meet the growing demand. The lack of proper facilities has long been a barrier to establishing sustainable tourism in the region.

Mukhtar Ali, Manager of the Facilitation Centers at the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), echoed Tareen’s sentiments, adding that with appropriate amenities, Pakistan’s beaches could become popular picnic spots and even offer eco-tourism activities such as fishing under strict monitoring for marine life conservation.

“Kund Malir is surrounded by many other tourist attractions. Promoting coastal tourism in the country will create new jobs, business opportunities, and contribute to socio-economic development,” said Ali. “With proper promotion, these beaches can become key contributors to local economies.”

Ali also pointed out that promoting Kund Malir aligns with Pakistan’s broader vision to highlight the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. This initiative would also raise awareness about environmental conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.

As the region has immense untapped potential, experts are calling on policymakers to take concrete steps to develop and promote tourist destinations like Kund Malir and other coastal areas. The time has come for significant investment in tourism infrastructure and promotion to harness the full economic benefits of these natural treasures.