The Sindh Department of Culture and Tourism has announced the launch of Thar Desert Train Safarian initiative aimed at promoting tourism and highlighting the province’s cultural wealth.

The announcement was made during a meeting chaired by Provincial Minister for Culture and Tourism Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, attended by representatives of the Association of Karachi Tour Operators, Express News reported.

Speaking at the meeting, Shah confirmed that the first journey of Thar Desert Train Safari is scheduled for the second week of February.

The train will run from Karachi to Khokhrapar, passing through Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas and Chhor, giving passengers a glimpse of Sindh’s vibrant culture and stunning desert landscapes.

“This initiative will showcase the cultural and natural beauty of Sindh,” Shah said.

“We are also planning a jeep rally in Tharparkar and a two-day Lahooti festival in Larkana starting on February 15 in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism.”

Shah emphasized the need for tour operators and companies to focus on developing Sindh’s tourism potential. Highlighting the government’s commitment to boost tourism, he stated, “Under the vision of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, we aim to make Sindh a hub for cultural and tourism activities.”

The safari is part of a wider strategy to boost tourism in Sindh, including developing new attractions and promoting local festivals.

Last year, in a move to boost tourism, the Sindh government has announced significant reductions in fees for film shoots, drama, commercial videos, photography and bridal shoots at various cultural and historical sites.

This initiative was spearheaded by the Provincial Minister for Culture and Tourism, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah.

According to a statement from the department, the fee for filming at Mohenjo-Daro and Makli has been dramatically reduced from Rs200,000 to just Rs50,000. Additionally, the fee for Quaid-e-Azam House Museum has been cut from Rs100,000 to Rs30,000.

The new fees for other places of note include a reduction for the Maki House Museum in Hyderabad, Kot Diji Fort and Naukot Fort, now set at Rs30,000 instead of Rs100,000.

Similarly, the fees for admissions at Umar Kot Fort and Museum, Rani Kot Fort, Chaukundi Graveyard and Bhambore Fort have also been fixed at Rs30,000.