The most famous site on Fort Munro is Dames Lake where many species of birds can be found. Koh-e-Suleman, Darazinda, Dera Ismail Khan, KPK..PHOTO: ASIF NAWAZ
In preparations of the festival, DG Khan Commissioner Asadullah Faiz along with deputy commissioners of four districts held proposal meetings with the DG Khan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) President Khuwaja Mohammad Younus and representatives of multinational companies for sponsorship.
The final date will be announced after clearance by the National Highway Authority (NHA) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Director General Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) and Additional Commissioner Azfar Zia.
The Suleman Mountains or Koh-e-Suleman is the southern extension of the Hindu Kush mountain range. The most famous site on Fort Munro is Dames Lake where many species of birds can be found. At present, the region is arid and there is an issue of drinking water for which new plans are needed to resolve the crisis. In recent times, road congestion has also become a problem during the summer holidays.
In order to promote tourism on an international level, the provincial government has decided to focus on the promotion of “Fort Munro” as the new tourist spot and initiated steps to hold a three-day tourism fair in the area.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, the commissioner said “This historical festival will be attended by prominent political personalities, including the prime minister and chief minister of the province. We will focus on the promotion of Koh-e-Suleman as well as other mountainous areas including Hak Bai, Mubaraki Top, Bail Pathar, Barthi and Anari Hills.”
He added that motorcyclists from all parts of the country will visit Fort Munro to participate in motorcycle rallies and camp at various mountainous places. “Tourism activities in the area will be promoted so that people turn towards our beautiful areas.”
The commissioner said that Koh-e-Suleman’s beautiful mountain range will soon become an international destination and once that status is achieved, it will prove to be an important milestone for the region’s progress.
During the festival, multiple activities and events will take place including Sufi night, puppet show for kids, cultural show, dramas, Balochi Jhumar, paragliding, local handy craft stalls, sports competitions, shooting, picture exhibition, craft bazaar and food street.
PHA Director General Azfar Zia told The Express Tribune that the construction work of road and steel bridges from DG Khan to NHA Fort Munro and JICA continues. He assured that the bridges will be completed by the first week of August. “As soon as the road clearance is obtained and sponsorship is finalised, the final date of Koh-e-Suleman Tourist Festival will be announced.”
He maintained that more than 1,100 rooms and facilities are available in guest houses, private hotels and tourism resorts.
‘Different tourist groups will be allowed camping. He further said that foolproof security arrangements will be made for the security of tourists in which border military police, Punjab police and Rangers assistance will be included.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2019.
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