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Tourism help promote positive image of Balochistan: Chinese scholar

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BEIJING, Jan 2 (APP): Government’s initiatives to improve security situation in Balochistan and projects launched under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have created a number of opportunities for tourist to explore natural beauty of the province.

“I think it’s fair to say that the continuous development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), especially the construction of Gwadar Port, has brought a new hope to Balochistan, which has been backward for a long time and has also created conditions for the development of tourism and cultural industry in the province.”

This was stated by Cheng Xizhong, visiting professor at Southwest University of Political Science and Law in his article published by China Economic Net (CEN) on Saturday.

According to media reports, the Balochistan government has launched seven projects to promote tourism in coastal areas of the province on which work is in progress.

A meeting chaired by the chief minister discussed promotion of tourism, culture, archeology and development schemes at tourist sites in Balochistan.

A master plan has been prepared for the promotion of tourism and work on eco-tourism resorts is also underway at seven places in the coastal areas of the province.

As per the master plan, model beach parks will be established at Gadani, Kund Malir, Ormara, Pasni and Gwadar to provide maximum facilities to tourists.

The master plan for the development of tourism facilities in Ziarat and Shaban valleys has also been prepared.

In Balochistan, tourism offices will be set up at divisional levels, and tourism information centers will be opened along major highways.

The Balochistan government believes that the promotion of tourism, arts and culture will highlight the positive image of Balochistan

Balochistan, the largest provinces of the country, spreads over an area of 347,190 square kilometers, accounting 43.6 percent of the total area of Pakistan. Balochistan has a population of 7.167 million, accounting for five percent of Pakistan’s total population.

Physically, Balochistan is an extensive plateau of rough terrain divided into basins by ranges of sufficient heights and ruggedness. Broadly, Balochistan’s geographic area can be divided into four distinct zones: Upper high lands, lower high lands, plains, and deserts.

The coastal-line is about 760 kilometers long, with a number of peninsulas and promontories.

The coastal area is not effectively connected with the interior and the steep hills rise abruptly beyond the narrow coastal plain. Ports, such as Somiani, Pasni and Gwadar are unsheltered.

Federal and provincial governments have comprehensive development plans that feature a deep-sea port at Gwadar and a coastal highway.

“I think it’s fair to say that the continuous development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), especially the construction of Gwadar Port, has brought a new hope to Balochistan, which has been poor and backward for a long time and has also created conditions for the development of tourism and cultural industry in the province,” Cheng Xizhong said.

As one of the pillars of CPEC, Gwadar Port provides a series of convenience measures for investors. At present, Gwadar Port has great potential in sewage treatment, power generation, entrepot trade of oil and gas, storage, and development of export bonded areas.

More than 30 investment companies from China have invested RMB 3 billion. The new airport and other infrastructure projects are under construction. In the future, the infrastructure level of Gwadar Port will reach a height

In terms of investment, in addition to the preferential measures of the federal government, the Balochistan government has also provided 23 years of tax exemption, 100% exemption of equipment import duties at the construction and operation stages of the project, 99 years of land lease, flexible visa management measures, supporting infrastructure and security measures.

Gwadar Port is located along the Arabian Sea and at the junction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road. It is a natural deep-water and ice-free port with unique geographical advantages.

At present, Balochistan has two special economic zones under development, namely Bostan special economic zone and Hub special economic zone.

In the economic zones, the government has provided a series of incentive policies, including the preferential supply of natural gas, electric power and other infrastructure, friendly visa policy for enterprises entering the zones, one-time reduction and exemption of import tariff of machinery and equipment, 10-year income tax reduction and exemption, five-year income tax reduction and exemption, etc.

In the development mode, it mainly adopts the combination of government development, private development and cooperation between government and social capital.

“It is worth mentioning in particular that the security situation in Balochistan has improved to a certain extent due to the government’s effective measures.

If Balochistan continues to make efforts to fundamentally improve its security situation, it will greatly attract international tourists and tourism and cultural industry will be greatly developed, ” Cheng Xizhong concluded.

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Aik Qaum, Aik Sath | Pakistan Zindabad | Pakistan Day Song | 23rd March 2024 | AIKQAUM.COM

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Nation celebrates Pakistan Day today with traditional zeal

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The nation celebrates Pakistan Day on Sunday with a renewed pledge to transform the country into a true Islamic and welfare state in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The day is observed to commemorate the historic Lahore Resolution passed on 23rd March in 1940, under which Muslims of the Sub-continent set the agenda of a separate homeland for themselves.

The day dawned with thirty-one-gun salute in the federal capital and twenty-one-gun salute in provincial capitals.

Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for progress and prosperity of the country.

The special feature of the day will be Pakistan Day Military Parade in Islamabad on a limited scale at Aiwan-e-Sadr due to the month of Ramadan.

President Asif Ali Zardari will be the chief guest on the occasion.

Contingents from all the three armed forces will actively participate in the Parade.

Fighter jets from Pakistan Air Force will conduct a flypast.

Radio Pakistan and PTV are broadcasting special programmes to highlight the significance of the day and pay tribute to the leaders and workers of Pakistan Movement.

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Pakistan Day: A Reminiscence of the Heroic Struggle of Muslims of the Subcontinent

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Pakistan Day, observed annually on March 23rd, holds a place of immense significance in the history of Pakistan. It marks the passing of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, which laid the foundation for the creation of an independent state for Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. This historic day serves as a reminder of the heroic struggle, sacrifices, and unwavering resolve of the Muslims who aspired for a separate homeland where they could live with dignity and practice their religion freely.

The Lahore Resolution: A Milestone in the Freedom Struggle

The All India Muslim League, under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, convened its annual session in Lahore from March 22 to 24, 1940. On March 23rd, the historic resolution was passed at Minto Park (now known as Iqbal Park), demanding separate states for Muslims in the northwestern and eastern regions of India. This resolution, often referred to as the “Pakistan Resolution,” became the cornerstone of the Pakistan Movement and galvanized Muslims into an organized struggle for their rights.

The Heroic Struggle and Sacrifices of the Muslims

The road to independence was not an easy one. The Muslims of the subcontinent faced tremendous challenges, including political opposition, social hardships, and economic constraints. The demand for a separate homeland was met with strong resistance from both the British colonial rulers and the Indian National Congress. However, the unwavering commitment of Muslim leaders and activists fueled the movement with newfound energy and resilience.

Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, through his unmatched leadership and unwavering determination, guided the Muslims towards their goal. He emphasized the importance of unity, faith, and discipline, inspiring millions to rally behind the cause. Countless individuals sacrificed their lives, endured imprisonment, and faced brutal oppression, all for the dream of an independent Pakistan.

The Creation of Pakistan: A Dream Realized

The struggle for independence culminated in the emergence of Pakistan on August 14, 1947. The dream envisioned in the Lahore Resolution turned into a reality, marking the beginning of a new era for the Muslims of the subcontinent. The creation of Pakistan was not just the establishment of a new country; it was the fulfillment of a long-cherished aspiration for freedom, identity, and sovereignty.

Pakistan Day: A Tribute to the Nation’s Heroes

March 23rd is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Pakistan. The day begins with special prayers for the prosperity and security of the country, followed by military parades, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and cultural events. The highlight of the day is the grand parade in Islamabad, where the armed forces display their prowess, and national leaders pay tribute to the sacrifices of the past.

Pakistan Day serves as a moment of reflection and gratitude. It reminds the nation of the core principles that led to the creation of Pakistan—unity, faith, and discipline. It is also a call to action for the younger generation to uphold the values of hard work, patriotism, and national integrity to ensure a prosperous future for the country.

Pakistan Day is more than just a historical milestone; it is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Muslims of the subcontinent. It is a day to honor the sacrifices of the past and reaffirm the commitment to building a strong and progressive Pakistan. As the nation moves forward, it must continue to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and unity that were at the heart of the Pakistan Movement.

May Pakistan continue to shine as a beacon of hope, strength, and prosperity for generations to come. Pakistan Zindabad!

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