Tourist extortion racket exposed

Suspects collect unlawful fees by posing as govt employees at Bhamala tourist site

TAXILA:

Authorities in Khanpur have launched an investigation following the registration of a case after reports emerged of individuals posing as officials of the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) and allegedly extorting money from visitors at the popular tourist destination of Bhamala.

Officials have vowed strict action against those accused of exploiting tourists through unlawful collections.

Sources said several influential individuals had allegedly been intercepting tourists and visitors at the scenic site, falsely presenting themselves as TMA employees and collecting money under various pretexts. The alleged impostors reportedly claimed that the payments were official taxes or municipal fees.

Following numerous complaints from residents and tourists, the district administration and the TMA Khanpur initiated a formal inquiry into the matter. Authorities subsequently registered a criminal case against the alleged perpetrators, while further legal proceedings remain under way.

Sources further said that tourists visiting Bhamala and the surrounding areas had for several days reportedly been subjected to harassment and unlawful demands for payment.

Some individuals allegedly stopped vehicles and families, demanding fees under different headings while giving the impression that the charges had official government authorisation.

As complaints mounted, the administration took immediate notice and expanded the scope of its investigation.

Ayesha Tahira, the Town Municipal Officer (TMO) Khanpur, said that the administration had acted promptly upon receiving reports of the alleged illegal fee collection at Bhamala and had initiated legal action without delay.

She confirmed that a formal application had been submitted to the relevant police station seeking the registration of an FIR against those involved, with the aim of ensuring that all responsible individuals are held accountable under the law.

Tahira emphasised that TMA Khanpur is committed to protecting the rights of residents and tourists, upholding transparency, and ensuring the rule of law. She stated that no individual or group would be permitted to unlawfully collect money from members of the public or subject visitors to harassment or inconvenience.

She further stressed that the law applies equally to all and that indiscriminate action would continue against anyone involved in illegal collections, public exploitation, or other unlawful activities.

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Kaghan Valley swells with visitors

 

NARAN. A large number of tourists from across the country have rushed to the scenic Naran and Kaghan valleys to enjoy the natural beauty of the region amid the ongoing extreme heatwave across Pakistan.

However, the increasing tourist influx comes at a time when local streams and rivers are witnessing a significant rise in water levels due to intense heat and rapid snow melt in the upper mountainous regions. The River Kunhar, in particular, is experiencing an increased flow, making riverbanks and nearby areas highly risky for camping and recreational activities.

In response to the developing situation, the Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) has issued an urgent safety advisory warning tourists against camping along riverbanks and approaching water bodies.

According to the advisory issued on May 29, by KDA, camping near the River Kunhar and visiting close-range areas has become extremely dangerous due to the rising water level.

The KDA Enforcement Unit has intensified patrolling at various locations beyond Naran to ensure the safety of visitors. app