Balochistan is the land which is enriched with traditions, arts and culture. The province has numerous beautiful places, especially archaeological sites. The incredible remnants of Balochistan’s diverse and extensive past which emphasizes its history are worth experiencing.The historical and archaeological places are Chakar Fort, Kharan Fort, Sher-e-Roghan (Purana Ghar/Godrani), Sassi Punnu Fort, Quetta Fort (Miri Fort), The Shirin Farhad Tomb, Lahoot-La-Makan.
These sites hold historic value and are rich in beautiful architecture.
Endowed with natural treasure trove, captivating scenery, significant sites of multifold importance, variety of flora and fauna, diversity of climates and unique geology, the province possess huge potential for development of tourism. Unfortunately, no efforts were made to develop tourism industry in the province at official level over the past six decades. The decision-makers in Islamabad tried to keep Balochistan a ‘dark region’ denying its natural endowments. Hence, the province remained unattractive for foreign tourists and investors.

Quetta

Quetta, formerly known as Shalkot, is the provincial capital and largest city of Balochistan, Pakistan. Quetta was largely destroyed in the 1935 Quetta earthquake, but was rebuilt and now has a population of 1,001,205 as of 2017, while the Quetta District has a population of 2,275,699. Quetta is at an average elevation of 1,680 meters above sea level, making it Pakistan’s only high-altitude major city. The city is known as the “Fruit Garden of Pakistan,” due to the numerous fruit orchards in and around it, and the large variety of fruits and dry fruits produced there. Located in northern Balochistan near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Quetta is a trade and communication centre between the two countries. The city is near the Bolan Pass route which was once one of the major gateways from Central Asia to South Asia. Quetta played an important role militarily for the Pakistani Armed Forces in the intermittent Afghanistan conflict.

Ziarat

A visit to Quetta is incomplete without a trip to Ziarat. Situated 133 kilometers (3 hours by car) from Quetta at an altitude of 2449 meters above sea level, Ziarat is a holiday resort amidst one of the largest and oldest Juniper forests in the world. It is said that some of the Juniper trees are as old as 5000 years. The name Ziarat means ‘Shrine’. A local saint, Kharwari Baba, is believed to have rested in the valley and blessed it. After his death he was buried here. People frequently visit the saint’s shrine, which is 10 kilometers from Ziarat.
Ziarat with its attractive scenery, healthy and cool environment, Juniper forests and historical importance endears tourists. Ziarat residency is the place where Quaid-e-Azam, founder of Pakistan, spent his last days of life. Ziarat is a hill station at an altitude of 8,500 feet above sea level in Balochistan. Juniper forest of Ziarat is second largest in the world spreading over an area of 51,335 hectares. The wildlife here comprises of wolf, Markhor and wild birds. Overall, Ziarat can be developed into a remarkable tourist site if serious efforts are made at official level.

Quaid-E-Azam Residency

Quaid-e-Azam residency with its lush green lawns, chinar trees and flower gardens commands a striking view of the whole valley. It is of historical importance, as the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Founder of Pakistan, stayed there during his last illness. It houses the relics of the Father of the Nation. The Residency was built in 1882 by the British and used by the Agent to the Governor General as his summer headquarters.