Faiza Tehseen

Tapping the potential of Sapat Beach in the Lasbella district of Balochistan is critical to strengthening the tourism sector and ensuring the socioeconomic uplift of the local communities.

"Sapat Beach is a part of Hingol National Park along the Makran coastal highway. It is famous due to its signature feature of a towering rock formation or single standing mountain called ‘Buji Koh’ in the local language. ‘Buji’ means standing singly and ‘Koh’ is referred to a mountain or hill. Emerging from the shoreline, it is marked by unique caves and golden sand, yet it lacks heavy tourist footfall,” said Dawood Tareen, Director of Culture and Focal Person of Tourism Department, Balochistan.

Talking exclusively to WealthPK, he said the beach is also famous as a caved beech. “A lot of caves are carved into solid conglomerate rocks at several levels connected by pathways. Their exact history is still unknown, but they are no doubt an ancient treasure. Sapat Beach is also home to different types of marine species, including jelly fish and crabs.”

Tareen said: “The fast-track development of Sapat Beach is necessary to turn the area into a tourist hotspot for both eco and adventure tourism lovers.  Beside showcasing the coastal beauty of Pakistan, it will also strengthen the ‘blue economy’ in Pakistan.” He said that as a critical node, Sapat Beach can expand seaside tourism industry in Pakistan.

“By connecting coastal and inland attractions, tourism can help ensure the sustainable development of both the urban and rural areas.” “Development of tourism infrastructure around Sapat Beach can boost the socioeconomic uplift of the local communities as it will create jobs in hospitality, eco and adventure tourism, and tourist guide services,” he said. Tareen called for forging public-private partnerships to develop tourism infrastructure.

“Despite its potential, Sapat Beech lacks necessary infrastructure, properly marked trails, sanitation, waste management, and itineraries. To preserve the natural rock formations and eco-system of the beach, it must be declared as a protected tourist site. The place must be adorned with beautiful board walks, lookouts, and eco-campsites. The area should also be linked by feeder roads off the Makran highway,” Tareen emphasised.

“Developing safe access infrastructure, launchign training, promotion and marketing programmes, and rebranding Sapat Beech as an offshore eco-adventure tourist hotspot are important,” he noted. “Sapat beach can also be an ideal place for scuba diving and other water sports.  With little investment, this beach can be turned into an active tourist hub,” Tareen said.

Meanwhile, talking to WealthPK, Sahib Noor, Chief Executive Officer of a tour operating company – Concordia Expeditions Pakistan – said: “Sapat Beach lacks global exposure. Therefore, a coordinated push from all relevant departments at the national level is critical.” “Sapat Beach can be developed as a lucrative fun place for adventure tourists. Proper promotion of this place can help transform it, contributing to both local and national economy,” Noor stressed.

Credit: INP-WealthPk