Saiful Malook turns into living fairytale amid light rains

As pre-monsoon rains gently fall on the majestic slopes of Malika Parbat, the serene Kaghan Valley undergoes a breathtaking transformation. Nestled at 3,224 meters above sea level and framed by snow-draped peaks, Lake Saiful Malook enchants thousands of tourists escaping the searing heat of the plains of the Khyber Pakthunkhwa.

More than just a scenic destination, the lake is steeped in legend and poetry. The rainfall here doesn't merely freshen the air—it awakens the spirit. Clouds drift in and out, playing hide and seek with the sun, as wildflowers bloom along the lake's oval shoreline, turning the entire landscape into something out of a storybook.

Named after a Persian prince, Lake Saiful Malook gained widespread fame through the Sufi saint Mian Muhammad Bakhsh's poetic epic, Safarnama Saiful Malook, which tells the tale of the prince's love for the fairy princess Badriul Jamala. The narrative has immortalised the lake in both folklore and national consciousness.

"It's like stepping into a dream," said Ehsanullah Khan, a Dubai-based Pakistani businessman visiting the lake for the fourth time. "I've seen lakes in Switzerland and Canada, but the turquoise waters and mythical charm of Saiful Malook offer a peace unlike anywhere else."

The lake, spanning 1.06 square miles and fed by glaciers from Malika Parbat, leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of visitors.

Muhammad Ali Syed, General Manager of the KP Culture and Tourism Authority, emphasised the immense potential of Pakistan's lake-strewn north. "Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is home to over 100 lakes, natural and manmade. From the Karambar Lake in Chitral, the world's 33rd highest, to Mahodand in Swat, we are investing in infrastructure to make these wonders more accessible while ensuring ecological sustainability."

The growing tourist influx to Saiful Malook and the surrounding lakes has also raised concerns about environmental degradation. Littering, particularly with plastic bags and packaging, has marred the lake's once-pristine reputation."Saiful Malook is the identity of Pakistan. Seeing garbage here is heartbreaking," said Ehsanullah Khan. He urged authorities to enforce strict waste management and parking regulations.

In response, the Kaghan Development Authority, with support from the Wildlife Department and District Administration, has rolled out a comprehensive project under the Saiful Malook National Park initiative. According to Divisional Wildlife Officer Salahuddin Khan, the lake area, spanning over 12,000 acres, will soon feature a dedicated parking facility, cleaner access routes, and permanent wildlife management offices under the KP Protected Areas Initiative.

"Saiful Malook has now been brought under the National Parks Act of 1975," said Salahuddin. "This is a major step in preserving its alpine ecosystem and the unique flora and fauna of the region. I came with my family to celebrate my brother's birthday at Saiful Malook, where we enjoyed colourful boat rides in its lake, said Sundas Khayam, a lecturer at Peshawar, while talking to APP.

She said the hide and seek between clouds and sunlight, with chances of rain, impressed her the most. The KP government's broader tourism strategy includes developing four Integrated Tourism Zones (ITZs) in Mankiyal, Thandyani, Ganol, and Madaklasht with World Bank assistance.