KARACHI: Caretaker Chief Minister retired Justice Maqbool Baqar on Wednesday said that the province was blessed with abundant wind and solar energy resources and the provincial government was actively promoting green investments in renewable energy to power sustainable tourism infrastructure.

Speaking at a programme organised by the culture and tourism department to celebrate World Tourism Day at Mohatta Palace, he said: “This will reduce our carbon footprint and create jobs in the clean energy sector.”

He urged all stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society and citizens, to join hands in the journey towards sustainable tourism.

Addressing the participants, Governor Kamran Tessori also underlined the need to promote tourism in the province and the country.

Speaking on the occasion, US Deputy Consul General Jimmy Mauldin said World Tourism Day was celebrated every year on Sept 27.

“It’s a very unique opportunity to raise awareness on tourism’s actual and potential contribution to sustainable development,” he added.

The US diplomat said that the theme for celebration — tourism and green investment — also aligned with one of the United States’ key objectives of advancing the US-Pakistan green alliance framework.

“Under this framework, we are working with Pakistan to address shared climate and environmental challenges,” he added.

For example, he said, the United States was supporting the government of Pakistan’s efforts to utilise renewable resources for generating 60 per cent of electricity by the year 2030.

Tourism Minister Arshad Wali Muhammad said that they should not only appreciate the wonders that the world offers, but also dive deep into the rich tapestry of heritage and culture that Sindh brought to the global image.

Mr Wali said the province’s historic architecture, from the majestic Ranikot Fort to the elegantly detailed Shah Jahan Mosque, stood as a testament to its vibrant past.

The minister said that destinations like Sindh, rich in culture and heritage, were not just visited, but deeply experienced.

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2023