The Ayubia chairlift, once the crown jewel of tourism in Galiyat, has remained closed for the past four years, delivering a severe blow to the local economy and the region's tourism infrastructure.
Locals and stakeholders attribute the prolonged shutdown to the Galiyat Development Authority's (GDA) failure to take timely action to restore the facility. Known for its breathtaking scenery, cool breezes, and the iconic chairlift, Ayubia now sits in silence. The lift, once a prime attraction drawing thousands of visitors daily, was halted due to departmental disputes and, according to residents, the provincial government's apathy.
Over 2,000 locals have lost their jobs, with the local hotel industry on the brink of collapse and an air of desolation replacing the once-bustling tourist spot. Since the lift's closure, hotels, restaurants, and shopkeepers have seen their incomes vanish.
Earlier this week, shop owners in Ayubia staged a protest against the prolonged closure, accusing the GDA and other authorities of abandoning their responsibilities. They said their businesses have been "destroyed" and many shopkeepers are now facing financial problems.
"Our livelihoods ended with the chairlift's closure. In the past, tourists came all day long, but now there are no customers. Hundreds have lost their jobs. The elected representatives promised to restore the lift, but now they are nowhere to be found," said one protester, adding that the GDA's negligence has deepened their crisis. Tourists, too, expressed their frustration. "We came here especially for the chairlift, but found it closed. It was very disappointing," said a visitor.
Observers note that the absence of basic facilities at major tourist destinations not only devastates local livelihoods but also tarnishes Pakistan's tourism image globally. The closure of the Ayubia chairlift is not merely a case of a machine lying idle; it represents thousands of lost jobs, the fading of tourism's vibrancy, and a significant hit to the national economy. The question remains: will the GDA and other relevant bodies act swiftly to resolve the issue, or will Ayubia's charm continue to fade into silence?
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