Walloped by snow, Fort Munro is a joy of winter

Power shutdown in area contributed to water shortage, forcing tourists to return home

DERA GHAZI KHAN: A hilly tourist attraction in Dera Ghazi Khan, often called the Murree of southern Punjab, Fort Munro, was blanketed in white as snow continued over the last two days.

Cold weather has intensified, power in the region has shut down for five days by WAPDA and the arrival of tourists from other parts of the province is continuing.

The arrival of a large number of tourists has resulted in a severe traffic jam at Rakhi Gaj. Tourists demand the immediate release of funds to complete the ongoing tourism project in Fort Munro.

Southern Punjab’s mountainous range, Fort Munro, is located at 6,770 feet above in Koh-e-Suleman. The snowfall continued till two days and the mountains have engulfed by the white layer of snow, making the tourist spot more attractive.

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Reportedly, snowfall continued in Khar, Gadani and Yakbai, the nearby areas of Fort Munro. Tourists including families from different parts of southern Punjab and remote areas came to Fort Munro to enjoy the weather. Long queues of vehicles from Rakhi Gaj to Fort Munro were witnessed due to a large number of tourists arriving. Meanwhile, no arrangement of controlling traffic has been made by the traffic police.

Tourists visiting the region say that the view of Koh-e-Suleman is no less than paradise. “We are enjoying a lot here.” Due to this, most of the hotels and restaurants remain closed during winter, said a tourist Mian Muhammad Ayub.

For the last three years, snowfall has been taking place in this region. There is a dire need for government action for the beautification and sustainability of this region, which can boost tourism and offer business opportunities to local residents.  Reportedly, the electricity shutdown in this area has also contributed to water shortage issues and tourists are forced to return due to the lack of basic facilities.

DG Khan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) President Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Nasuha said that tourism in the country is becoming an important industry. “We have the best tourist destinations in southern Punjab, especially in Dera Ghazi Khan.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 14^th, 2020.