Daily Times

Pakistan is becoming a tourist destination, and it has attracted millions of sightseers in the last couple of years. Earlier, in the previous decade, law and order situations created a barrier for local as well as for international adventurists, but improvements in the law and order situation have, now, boosted the economy of Pakistan in the tourism sector. The Government of Pakistan has also played a pivotal role in facilitating explorers, but this industry requires more attention.

Though most of the tourist destinations of our country lay in the Northern areas of Pakistan, such as Murrree, Naran Kaghan, Swat, and Gilgit-Baltistan, being people of a developing country, it is impossible for everyone to pack their bags up north from other areas elsewhere. Fortunately, Pakistan has a lot to offer tourists and explorers in every nook and corner of the country, ranging from green meadows of the northern areas to the cultural beauties of rural Sindh and the beautiful beaches of Karachi and Baluchistan. People being surrounded by historical and cultural spots, in the end, prefer to visit nearby spots.

The Desert of Tharparkar, Sindh, becomes flamboyant during the monsoon season every year. This is the world’s ninth largest desert, and is considered to be the only fertilised desert in the world. It attracts thousands of tourists and explorers after proper monsoon rains, when its drought-stricken soil turns into green meadows. I have been to Tharparkar more than six times, and leaving it behind is the toughest task I ever had to face. Thar Desert, that gave melodious voices like Mai Bhagi to the Pakistani music industry, is still producing melodic singers who are ambidextrous at direction and production. It is common to see figures dancing to the harmonium and the mountain-crackling voices. For many Tharis, music is second priority after their survival. I suggest that when you are here you do not miss listening to Ustad Yousuf, a blind singer who enlightens the hearts of listeners.

This desert is rich in history; its forts, mosques, ashrams, and temples show that it has been a land of diversity, a mixture of different cultures, and a land that faced wars at once that has hugged peace now. Tourists making plans to tour Tharparkar must visit the historical Naukot fort, built by Mir Karam Ali Khan in the early years of the 19^th century. It is also considered and known as a gateway to this giant desert. Naukot fort, along with the Jain temples, spread over Tharparkar desert, offering new streams of amazement to those who are interested in history and architecture. The culture and antique department should take steps on a war footing basis to preserve such historical sites.

Gaddi Bhitt is another picturesque spot of the Mithi city of Tharparkar. Made of sandhill, this Gaddi hill/peak provides you with an opportunity to see Mithi city in the blink of an eye. It is, simply, a Damn-e-Koh of this ancient city, and a headquarter of Tharparkar. This is amongst the few cities of Pakistan that was named after a female.

A tour to Thar Desert will teach you lessons of brotherhood and harmony amongst Muslims and Hindus. Here, Muslims rarely sacrifice the cow on Edi-ul-Azha, and Hindus possess respect for the month of Ramazan and Mehram-ul-Haram without the iron fists of anyone. You will have a chance to visit the Ashrams without any fear as well. Sant Nenuram Ashram situated in Islamkot city is the perfect place to witness the epitome of kindness and blessings given to the needy and hungry. It offers food to hundreds of people every day. You must pay a visit to such places that provide food with caste, tribe, and religious differences put aside.

This desert is home to many temples of the Jain religion, as it was once was a homeland to its followers. The Gori temple is amongst the last sign of the Jain believers, but much to our utter dismay, its architecture is being ruined with each passing day.

The Bhodesar Mosque is another place that must be in your plans. It is one of the oldest mosques, so there are many different tales associated with the foundation of this mosque. It is largely believed that the mosque was founded by the ruler of Gujrat in the 16^th century. Situated amidst the Rocky Mountains, this beautifully constructed mosque will attract you for many times to come as soon as you are done for the first time.

A land of peacocks, camels, music, architecture, natural waterfalls, and coal mines, the Thar Desert should be your next destination this monsoon season. Villages like Chorio and Kasbo, the ancient city and old port of Sindh’s Pari Nagar, Nangarparkar, will lead you to an amazing world of interesting finds and folk tales. Bhalwa village that owns the famous folktale of Umer and Marui is eye-catching for visitors. Thar is not to be missed during a visit because of its ultimately breath-taking landscapes and temples surrounded by mountains and water streams.

I have been to many different parts of Pakistan, but this region stands unique to me. Here, you will find local guides, and most of the time, they will not ask for money in return. Children climb over the hills in puffs of smoke and their accent and style of the Datki language will compel you to listen to every word of theirs twice: “Bejo Kher hay” (Hope all is well) is common among them. The cherry on the top is that the locals of Thar can teach you how to survive in the most difficult times of life. The poverty riddled and drought-stricken people of the region face the hot summers, defend themselves against inflation, and still offer their smiles to everyone.

The writer hails from Badin District, Sindh. He has been touring and exploring different parts of Pakistan, with a passion to write about them, in order to show positive sides of our country. He can be reached at msultan05@hotmail.com