Tribal districts hold allure for tourists

Development of infrastructure, improvement in law and order could attract large number of visitors

PESHAWAR:

If law and order situation and infrastructure are improved the former Fata could prove a haven for local and international tourists as some of the world famous historic places are located in these districts.

Khyber Pass in Khyber tribal district is probably a place which is world famous as it is the ancient entry route into the subcontinent used by many raiders and invaders.

The 35-mile-long Peshawar to Torkham Railway line is also considered an engineering marvel which has been in ruins these days as locals have even stolen the tracks and the bridges are in a very bad state of disrepair. This is all because the track has been completely ignored in the past two decades by the Pakistan Railways.

By the same token, another mountain pass Darra Adam Khel is also well-known across the subcontinent because of its century-old gunsmiths and arms manufacturing industry. In the past Orakzai was known for its swords’ factory. Before 9/11 these places attracted thousands of international tourists each year, making Peshawar the hub of tourism industry in the region.

Talking to The Express Tribune the head of a local travel agency and tourism expert Zahid Durrani said that there were no coordinated efforts to promote tourism in the K-P probably because of militancy and terrorism but the province holds huge potential.

He said that the railway track along the Khyber Pass is considered an engineering wonder and the pass itself needs no introduction or marketing to tourists.

Apart from places of historic significance, there are very beautiful valleys in North and South Waziristan as well as in Orazkai, Tirah and Bajaur which could prove very attractive hill stations if developed properly and hotels and restaurants are made available.

“In Bajaur the Salarzai hills are very beautiful and almost untouched by foreign and Pakistani tourists. There are waterfalls and dense forests and very interesting local customs but unfortunately as per the local customs and being a tribal area no outsider was allowed up until recently. If tourism is allowed in the area, it will provide local residents with job opportunities and a permanent source of income,” said Khan Bacha, a local resident, adding that with the arrival of Taliban in Kabul, the kidnappings of anyone will not be easy like in the past. Previously people were kidnapped and transported to Afghanistan for ransom.

Another local said there were dense pine forests in South and North Waziristan providing ideal places for camping and hiking and the weather is the most pleasant one.

Similarly, Tirah valley in Khyber is considered an ideal place for tourists due to its rich and vibrant history and customs. Orakzai is no less beautiful. Both places are known for the cultivation of world class hashish.

“There are many places for faith tourism from Ali Masjid in Landi Kotal to Sikh Gurdwaras in Kurram and Sikh holy places in Tirah. Kurram is also one of the most beautiful tribal districts as most of its ancient forests are intact and are buzzing with wildlife from Chakur to monkeys and other reptiles and birds unlike the adjacent Orazkai and Tirah where deforestation has been done on a massive scale in the past three decades,” he said.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 20^th, 2021.