News & Events

Thatta: WWF-Pakistan’s Indus for all Programme observed world tourism day at Keenjhar Lake. Speaking on the occasion writer and historian Badar Abro said that tourism potential in Sindh has not been exploited. He said that there are more than two thousand archeological sites in Sindh, out of which 200 are located in Thatta alone. He added that Thatta has remained capital of Sindh for 350 years and a considerable number of historic places are located here. He emphasized that community should not wait for others and start working on self help basis to preserve historic monuments and tourist places. He appreciated the concept of nature clubs, which are established by WWF to sensitize students about ecology and environment. 

 

Programme Coordinator WWF, Nasir Ali Panhwar said that ecotourism is defined as tourism that involves travelling to relatively undisturbed natural areas with the specific objective of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery, wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural aspects found in the areas. Speaking on the theme for the day, he said that linking cultures with tourism is essential. He added that culture of Sindh provides immense potential for promoting tourism. He said that Sindh provides huge diversity in terms of its natural environment, built environment, archaeological sites and living culture. He said that government must construct approach roads to various tourist sites, construct rest areas, provide public and private transport to the sites and conduct organized tours.

 

Educationist Rasool Bux Dars said that poets and writers have written poetry on natural beauty of Keenjhar Lake. The lake has remained habitat for migratory birds since decades, but now birds have been disappeared and its beauty is diminishing due to a number of reasons. He said that there are many places in Sindh, which can be made as beautiful tourists’ spots.  He also urged that government institutions must come forward to take measures to stop untreated industrial and domestic waste being discharged into lake.

 

Jamal Panhwar, CEO Travels and Cultures Services said that current situation of tourism is deplorable. He said that two decades before, a great number of tourists used to come to Moen-jo-Daro, Keenjhar Lake and the other places of historic importance. However, now days due to security reasons foreign tourists are reluctant to come.  He added that tourism can generate income and provide a good opportunity to learn about other cultures. Though Indus civilization and Egyptian civilizations have many similarities but in Pakistan this has not been capitalized, he added.

 

Hafeezullah, site manager WWF said that eco tourism is related to uplift of people, as it generate funds for government and creates job opportunities for local people. In addition to this, natural resources could also be conserved.   

 

Fizza Shah, Raheela Memon, Irshad Gandro, Shakeel Memon and others also spoke on the occasion. While students of nature clubs from Keenjhar and Keti Bunder presented tableaus and delivered speeches on importance of the day.