People throng picnic spot in Munda to escape hot weather

Cold water, sweet river breeze act as change-multipliers on those who want to escape hot summer weather

SHABQADAR: We’ve all heard of the majestic Saiful Muluk Lake and the Shangrila up in Gilgit-Baltistan – and of course the scenic Murree hills. These are all major attractions, rightly thronged with tourists.

But what of those places that are also full of visitors -- and yet are oddly unheard of beyond their own localities? Take, for example, the picnic point by the Swat River in Munda Shabqadar. The picturesque landscape if properly projected can become an instant attraction for people living near it as well as for those that travel from afar to come and enjoy its soothing effects.

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The cold water and sweet river breeze act as change-multipliers on those who want to escape the hot summer weather, especially during Ramazan. For the people living in Charsadda, Mohmand and Peshawar, the picnic point serves as a swimming spot as well as offers a good place to arrange Iftar.

Taking advantage of the natural beauty, PTI (Peshawar region) Vice-President Anwar Taj Advocate hosted Iftar to woo party workers and persuade them to vote in favour of the panel he was supporting in the intra-party elections.

Mehboob Sher of Pandyali tehsil in the Mohmand tribal area was one of those who attended the Iftar and posted a picture on social media with his friends. When asked about his feeling of the Iftar by the banks of the Swat River, he told The Express Tribune the difference in temperature at his hometown and by the riverside amazed him.

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“It is very hot in Pandyali. And here on the riverbanks, it’s just the opposite,” said Sher, adding: “I enjoy the environment to the fullest.”

“When I reached the riverside, the mercury was touching 40 degrees. However, swimming in the river had a changing effect – it cooled down the body temperature and gave a refreshing feeling,” he told of his enjoyment.

He said his friends also took a dip in the river and felt the same. “This added to Iftar pleasure.”

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Sher is a frequent visitor to the spot. He said he has been visiting the picnic point for the last two years.

“The cold river water has a kind of rejuvenating effect. A man, who is otherwise feeling lethargic owing to the hot weather and also because of observing his fast, can all of a sudden regain energy and indulge in fruitful discussion on various topics of mutual interests,” he said, adding: “One can describe the effect as simply magical.”

He said another effect of the swimming in the cold water was that it increased one’s thirst “making Iftar all the more enjoyable”. “One cannot stay in the river for more than five minutes,” implying that the water temperature was unbearable for anyone staying in water for more than the mentioned period.

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“This is why every one of us -- whether living in Charsadda, Shabqadar or Mohmand -- enjoys taking Iftar very much,” said Sher and added: “There are mango and lychee farms that are abundantly available in their season.”

Abdur Rehman, who was waiting to break his fast with his friend in Sadar Ghari Munda on the bank of the Swat River, told The Express Tribune that he regularly came to the picnic point with his friends for Iftar.

“Everyone is attracted to the cool breeze and cold water of the river.” He said the two kilometre-long bank of the river was filled with people even though it was the month of Ramazan.

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“Since there are no restaurants or hotels in the area, every one brings their own food, drinking water and event mats to sit on.”

Rehman said they would stay there till Isha and then leave for homes. “This picnic spot is equally popular among families.”

Samiullah Khan came all the way from Peshawar on his motorbike with his friend. He was cooking meat while his friend was busy preparing barbecue on coal they brought with them.

For him, taking a swim in the river, preparing food and then eating it in a pleasant weather has its own effect. “This is why the number of tourists is increasing by the day.”

On the security issue, Khan said although the area was peaceful, it was the responsibility of the district police to provide foolproof security, especially in the evening.

He also urged the provincial and district governments to develop the area and provide facilities to local investors so that they could invest in the hotel industry.