‘Steps being taken to promote winter tourism’

KDA chairperson says measures will be taken to end unemployment during winter

BALAKOT:

Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) Chairman Dr Aimal Zaman has said there is a definite need to explore ways to promote tourism in winters so that locals who become unemployed during these cold months do not face financial issues.

He was speaking at an open court organised in Balakot by the peace committee the other day.

Special Assistant to Chief Minister and MPA Syed Ahmad Shah, Mansehra Deputy Commissioner Dr Qasim Ali Khan and other KDA officials were present on the occasion.

Every year, from June to October, there is a mass influx of tourists in Naran and Kaghan. But from November onwards, Shahrae-e-Kaghan, which is the quickest means to travel to Gilgit-Baltistan from Islamabad, remains closed due to heavy snowfall.

Last month, snowfall began in Naran and the rest of Kaghan Valley, leading to the closure of Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road, which links K-P with Gilgit.

Many tourists visit Gilgit as well, but due to heavy snowfall, this destination closes down too. Therefore, the chairman said that they would ensure the roads remain clear during snowfall so that tourists can visit and enjoy snowfall.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 15^th, 2021.