FIR lodged after tourists blocked from visiting Swat resort

SWAT:

The district administration and police in Swat have launched legal action after a group of local individuals allegedly stopped tourists from travelling to Mahodand Lake in Kalam, an incident that later went viral on social media and raised concerns over tourist safety in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's premier tourist destination.

According to officials, tourists travelling in private coasters and tour vehicles towards Mahodand Lake were intercepted by local individuals who allegedly insisted that visitors use local transport services instead.

The confrontation disrupted the tourists' journey, while some vehicles were reportedly threatened with stone pelting, forcing several groups to abandon their visit to the lake.

The affected tourists, including students from Sargodha University in Punjab, were unable to complete their trip to Mahodand Lake, one of Swat's most visited tourist attractions.

Taking immediate notice of the incident, Deputy Commissioner Swat Saleem Jan Marwat directed the district administration, in coordination with District Police Officer (DPO) Swat Umar Gandapur, to initiate legal proceedings against those involved.

An FIR has been registered at Kalam Police Station against around 30 individuals under relevant sections of the law for allegedly blocking tourists and creating fear and harassment.

"The protection of tourists is the top priority of the K-P government," said the district administration in an official statement.