BALAKOT:
Kaghan Valley witnessed an overwhelming influx of tourists during the Eidul Azha holidays, with approximately 60,000 visitors arriving in the region on 12,000 vehicles and 3,700 motorcycles. The scenic towns of Shogran, Kaghan, and Naran were the main destinations for the holidaymakers.
According to the Kaghan Development Authority (KDA), the flow of tourists to the valley continued steadily throughout the three days of Eid. The KDA reported that around 8,000 small vehicles, 4,000 larger vehicles, and 3,700 motorcycles entered the valley during this period.
To facilitate tourists, the KDA established four Tourist Facilitation Centres under the special directive of Director General Shabbir Khan. Additionally, tourism police personnel were deployed to manage traffic flow and assist in the post-Eid disposal of animal waste to maintain cleanliness in the area.
The KDA noted that Kaghan Valley has the capacity to accommodate up to 100,000 tourists. Assistant Director Planning, Asad Shehzad, stated that in anticipation of the large crowds, DG Shabbir Khan had cancelled all staff leaves and directed full-scale operations to ensure smooth traffic flow and comprehensive support for tourists. Encroachments in the Naran Bazaar were also removed to prevent congestion and enhance the visitor experience.
Meanwhile, following the instructions of IGP K-P, Mansehra DPO Shafiullah Gandapur deployed 1,500 police personnel across the area.
