By Asad Ali
Government decision to rebuild four historic forts has created a boomish atmosphere in the province of Balochistan which has such a rich history and offers much potential. Such a great idea is not only about preserving the architectural heritages, it is also one that aims at enhancing the cultural heritage of a region and at tourism attraction and creation of employment opportunities to the local community. That so much has been done to complete these forts before it is too late and in a province where the development has long been crippled by the economic hinderances of political unrest and the lack of robust infrastructure, the rebuilding of these forts is a visionary stand forward in the ideals of the province of Balochistan to grow and thrive.
The Moti Gohram Fort in Jhal Magsi is one of the most important destinations of the terms of this restoration project and is sometimes known as the Taj Mahal of Balochistan. The royal remnants of the past of the province have been turned into this historic site that is currently getting the much needed attention so as to revive its glory. Restoration of the fort will not only bring in the historical pride, to the dwellers of Balochistan; but also help in generating tourists, interested in the explorations of enriched cultural and architectural folklore of the region. Declaring Moti Gohram Fort a place of priority is an indication that its importance to the culture is something that government is aware of.
Besides Moti Gohram Fort, there is an attempt to stimulate other historical fortifications in the region. Much attention will also be given to the Lai Dam Fort in Panjgur, the Hormagai Fort in Washuk, the fort in Kharan. These two forts which are less re-known are important cultural monuments which narrate the history of the antiquity of Balochistan and people who have inhabited the region over hundreds of years. These forts are not only part of the architectural heritage of the province but also the history of the people whose descendants need to be sure that there is something ancient to touch in the future. The restoration initiative will as well offer these sites the honor it should rightly command as it becomes one of the national symbols of pride and strength of Balochistan.
Under the current financial year restoration of four forts have been provided a sum of 350 million rupees. This huge economical outlay expresses the investment responsibilities of government in cultural preservation, economic growth. On the basis of allocated funds, 100 million will be used to restore the Jhal Magsi Fort, 100 million to the Washuk and Kharan forts, and 50 million in Panjgur. The allocation of these money outlines the significance of restoration project not mostly regarding culture, but also in regard to economic investment in the region. These forts can be developed into tourist sites with the right investment as they have the potential to not only maintain the past, but also enrich economic future of Balochistan.
Nevertheless, no matter how positive the aforementioned tendency is, there are factors that may hinder it. There are some people or organizations that undermine the activities aimed at promoting the region in terms of history and culture either due to their political interests or vested interests. These forces usually strive to keep the population of Balochistan away from the sceneries of growth and development. They continue the process of stagnation and desperation by resisting such cultural and economic initiatives. The government, local authorities and people of Balochistan must stand up in solidarity with the noble cause of these restoration efforts so that all the foreign efforts placed on its way should not jeopardize this bright initiative.
The restoration of these forts is an endeavor beyond the interest of preserving the history as it is also a move to attract more tourism in Balochistan. It is a province that is well-known to have its spectacular scenery and its special culture yet underestimated in the sense of tourism market. With restoration of these olden sites, Balochistan can emerge as one of the major tourist spots in Pakistan. As well as revenue it is believed that tourism fosters cross culture understanding and a sense of unity and appreciation of the fact that Balochistan possess a rich heritage.
To summarise, the move by the government in restoring these four historic forts is a historical development to Balochistan. The given project has the chance to change the region in terms of economy and social situation by saving the cultural heritage of the province, enhancing tourism and creating workplaces. Nevertheless, to make this vision a reality, all stake holders, including the government and the local people must be willing to play their part to make the project a success and that nothing would hamper the unmatched heritage of Balochistan to be handed over to the generations ahead.
