SINDH does not lack tourism assets; it lacks vision, investment and execution. The province happens to be home to one of the world’s oldest civilisations, dating back thousands of years, with globally recognised heritage sites, such as Mohenjo Daro and Makli. Despite this rich legacy, tourism in Sindh remains significantly underdeveloped.

Globally, tourism is a major economic engine, contributing nearly 10 per cent to the global gross domestic product (GDP). In Pakistan, however, the sector contributes around 2-3pc, reflecting missed opportunities, particularly in Sindh. With its historical depth and geographical diversity, the province could generate employment, stimulate small businesses, and boost regional development.

The scale of opportunity is evident. Natural attractions, like Manchar Lake alone, attract around 385,000 visitors annually, while Sindh offers a rare combination of coastal, desert, cultural and religious tourism. The province allows visitors to experience a 5,000-year-old civilisation alongside diverse cultural landscapes in a single journey.

However, this potential remains largely untapped. Even official and policy dis-cussions acknowledge that serious and sincere efforts have not been made to promote tourism in Sindh. Poor infra-

structure, lack of international marketing, weak public-private partnerships, and neglect of heritage sites continue to hinder growth. In some cases, historic locations face encroachment and mismanagement, further eroding their value.

Tourism is globally recognised as a driver of economic growth, job creation and cultural exchange, but Sindh has failed to capitalise on these benefits. Policymakers themselves highlight that key destinations, like Gorakh Hill, Keenjhar Lake and Mohenjo Daro, hold immense potential to transform the province into a major tourist hub. The challenge, therefore, is not the absence of resources, but the absence of strategy.

Without targeted investment, infra-structure development and consistent policy implementation, Sindh will continue to underperform in this critical domain.

Shahnawaz Khoso
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2026