Work has begun at the Hazara Waterfalls in Jab Valley, Haripur, under a UK-funded eco-tourism initiative that aims to transform this hidden natural gem into a major tourist attraction for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The project also seeks to link the waterfalls with the historic Bhamala Stupa, creating a new cultural and eco-tourism route near Islamabad.
Supported by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through WWF-Pakistan's Water Resource Accountability Project (WRAP), the first phase has been launched with Rs5 million in funding. It includes the construction of a safe walking track and a small tourist hut, replacing the dangerous local trail currently used by villagers to carry firewood. The path is expected to be completed by mid-October 2025.
The Hazara Waterfalls boast eight major cascades, the tallest rising nearly 400 feet, making it the largest waterfall system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Located just two hours from Islamabad, the site offers both accessibility and natural grandeur. The falls feed into the Haro River, which flows through Bhamala before reaching Khanpur Dam. Only 27 km from the dam, the valley can easily be integrated into a wider tourism circuit that combines natural beauty with heritage tourism.
Discovered in 2021 by Hassan Nisar, Founder and CEO of Metrix Pakistan, the waterfalls are now set for broader recognition. "This investment is a breakthrough that will turn Jab Valley into Pakistan's next big tourist destination," Nisar said. He said the project would generate jobs for local youth, create opportunities for shopkeepers, guides, and drivers, and reduce reliance on firewood cutting by encouraging conservation.
The K-P Tourism Department has welcomed the initiative, saying it will not only add fresh attractions for visitors but also protect the fragile environment of Jab Valley.
Tourism experts believe Jab Valley could become an appealing alternative to overcrowded destinations such as Naran, Kaghan, and Swat. With proper planning, they argue, it could soon stand among Pakistan's premier eco-tourism hotspots.
WWF-Pakistan emphasised that environmental preservation remains central to the project, adding that its success could serve as a model for developing other hidden natural treasures across the province.
With work now underway and the first facilities set to open in the coming weeks, Jab Valley is on track to emerge as a unique blend of nature and history — where Pakistan's tallest waterfalls meet centuries-old heritage.
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