THATTA: Keenjhar Lake – a scenic freshwater body frequented by thousands of picnickers every weekend — recently gained another attraction when a floating hut was added to its motley fleet of boats.

The lake, surrounded by many historical sites in Thatta and Makli, is recognised mainly due to its attribution to the legendary characters of Noor and Jam Tamachi.

Masood Lohar, a former head of the UNDP-GEF Small Grants Programme, has introduced the floating hut to start translating his ideas to promote Sindh’s culture and tourism in this part of the province. He has named his innovation after Noori, the folklore character fondly discussed by people of all age groups, right from young schoolchildren to elderly ones.

Discussing his ideas on “revolutionising” the tourism industry in Sindh, Masud Lohar, who is also founder of the ‘Clifton Urban Forest’, told Dawn that there was great tourism potential in Sindh, especially Thatta district, which must be tapped.

“While regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan have gained due recognition of their natural beauty and tourist attractions, Sindh’s potential remains largely untapped, though it boasts about its scenic lakes, islands and numerous historical sites,” he said.

“Keenjhar Lake stands out as a serene oasis, attracting tourists from across the country as well as other countries. From the ancient civilisation of Mohenjo Daro to the vibrant culture of Tharparkar, Sindh offers a rich tapestry of experiences for explorers and researchers.”

Lohar believes that more tourist attractions like his ‘Noori Floating Hut’ would definitely revolutionise Sindh’s tourism industry. Eco-lodges and adventure camps with modern facilities would enhance and satisfy tourists’ urge for knowledge, exciting experiences and exploration who enjoy Sindh’s unique offerings, he said.

According to him, all such additions would not only please tourists through memorable experiences, but would also contribute to the local economy, create jobs and promote sustainable development. “Such things and initiatives help spotlight Sindh’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage globally, attracting investment and enhancing tourism infrastructure.”

Lohar said Pakistan could generate billions of dollars in revenues by just focusing on multifaceted tourism. Historical sites, Hindu and Sikh temples and Sufis’ shrines, besides food and cultural tourism, do attract foreign tourists.

“Tourism alleviates poverty by creating micro-economy and checking unemployment in both rural and urban areas,” he said.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2024