ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): The federal capital turned vibrant and festive as the much-awaited three-day Balochistan Grand Tourism Festival began at the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) on Friday.
The festival, being held for the first time in history, is organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Government of Balochistan, under the vision of Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Tourism and Law, Mir Zarain Khan Magsi, to showcase the province’s rich heritage, diverse tourism potential, and cultural identity to national and international audiences.
The opening ceremony drew a large crowd and was attended by Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Managing Director Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana, diplomats, artists, and people from various walks of life.
The venue radiated color and life as Balochi folk musicians, dancers, and artisans brought the province’s traditions to the heart of Islamabad.
Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that the warm and enthusiastic response from the people of Islamabad had surpassed expectations and proved that Pakistan is truly a land of hospitable people. The warmth shown by the citizens here reflects the generosity and openness of our province and its people.”
He said Balochistan is blessed with immense tourism potential, ranging from the 700-kilometre-long coastal belt of the Arabian Sea to the scenic mountain ranges, valleys, orchards, and deserts. “Our province offers adventure, eco, historical, and cultural tourism opportunities. From Gadani to Ziarat and Hingol, from the coast to the highlands, every corner of Balochistan has something remarkable to offer,” he added.
Highlighting the government’s initiatives, Bugti said that a three-year tourism development plan was being implemented to improve connectivity, build infrastructure, and promote public-private partnerships. “We welcome private partners to explore Balochistan’s tourism potential,” he said. “Balochistan has a rich cultural and historical legacy that attracts people naturally however we only need to provide the right facilities for tourism to flourish.”
The Chief Minister remarked that whenever any untoward incident occurs, Balochistan dominates the headlines, which overshadows its beauty and culture. “What we see here today at Lok Virsa is the real face of Balochistan-a province of peace, hospitality, and art. This is the true image that deserves to be shared with the world,” he emphasized.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khichi, said the event represents Pakistan’s unity in diversity and a celebration of cultural harmony. “Balochistan is the cultural soul of Pakistan,” he said. “Its landscapes, crafts, and traditions tell stories of strength, creativity, and pride. Such events not only promote our cultural identity but also strengthen national cohesion.”
He appreciated the Balochistan government for taking this initiative and assured full support from the federal ministry in promoting regional cultures through joint ventures and cultural exchanges.
Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Tourism and Law, Mir Zarain Khan Magsi, said the festival is part of his vision to showcase the “real and positive image” of Balochistan to the rest of the country and the world. “Through culture, art, and tourism, we can present Balochistan as a land of opportunity, peace, and hospitality,” he said.
The festival features a wide range of activities-from cultural performances and panel discussions to art and craft exhibitions, food stalls, and tourism displays. Visitors are thronging the stalls displaying handicrafts, traditional embroidery, pottery, jewelry, and artwork from different districts of Balochistan. The culinary stalls are offering authentic Balochi dishes including Sajji, Kaak, Rosh, Landhi, and dates from Turbat, which have quickly become crowd favorites.
A major attraction is the folk performances based on Balochistan’s legendary stories of Hani and Sheh Mureed and the poetry of Mast Tawakali, blending music, dance, and storytelling to depict the province’s romantic and philosophical traditions.
Throughout the festival, Balochi singers, musicians, and dancers will perform live, while panel discussions will highlight themes such as sustainable tourism, investment opportunities, and cultural preservation. Artisans and craftspeople from across Balochistan are also demonstrating their skills, giving visitors a chance to witness the province’s artistic diversity firsthand.
The Balochistan Grand Tourism Festival will continue till October 12, offering visitors an immersive experience of the province’s cultural wealth, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.
As the first day concluded with the sound of dambura and applause echoing across Lok Virsa, one message stood out clearly- Balochistan is not a distant frontier but a vital heart of Pakistan’s cultural and tourism landscape, now finally being celebrated in the capital as it deserves.