A sense of excitement swept through Karachi when the Sindh government announced plans to launch a tourist train from Karachi to Parche-ji-Veri, a village in the Thar Desert, about 10 days ago. However, despite the announcement, there has been no visible progress on the ground towards the commencement of this service.
Insiders reveal that the Sindh government has yet to finalize an agreement with Pakistan Railways for the operation of the tourist train. It is expected to take several months to finalize the details and make arrangements for this service.
Earlier this month, the Sindh government announced the launch of the tourist train as part of efforts to promote tourism in the province. The newly introduced route was said to stretch from Karachi to the picturesque destination of Parche-Ji-Veri, known for its stunning sunset views, with a stopover in Hyderabad.
According to the announcement, the Sindh tourist train would depart from Karachi every Saturday and return on Sunday, offering travelers a weekend getaway to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and historical charm of Sindh.
Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Sindh Minister of Culture, Tourism, Antiquities, and Archives, stated, “Collaborative efforts with Pakistan Railways are underway to ensure that fares remain affordable, making this experience accessible to a wide range of passengers. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to showcasing Sindh’s cultural treasures and stimulating tourism.”
![Local residents at the Swat River, which is overflowing due to pre-monsoon heavy rains in the area on the outskirts of Mingora, the main town of Pakistan's Swat Valley [Sherin Zada/AP]](https://mmnews.tv/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Flooding-in-Swat-river-120x86.jpg)
