More police force to be deployed in Kaghan

MANSEHRA: The district administration on Wednesday reviewed arrangements related to security, healthcare, electricity, and other essential services for tourists visiting Kaghan Valley.

“With the beginning of the summer season, we have relocated the police station to Naran, and the tourism police force will also be deployed in the entire valley shortly,” District Police Officer Shafiullah Khan Gandapur told the meeting held at the new Circuit House.

The meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Khalid Iqbal, discussed ensuring improved hospitality and security services, as well as the reopening of the remaining section of the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) Road and the road leading to Saiful Muluk Lake.

“We have redeployed our forces in Naran to ensure foolproof security for tourists. As more sections of the MNJ Road are cleared, additional police posts are being made operational,” the DPO said.

He added that police would also be deployed at Babusar Top, and traffic wardens have been assigned duties along the MNJ Road to manage the traffic flow in the valley.Assistant Director of the Kaghan Development Authority, Assad Shahzad, informed the meeting that efforts were underway to reopen Lake Road, allowing tourists to visit the snow-covered Saiful Muluk Lake. “We expect that visitors will be able to travel to Saiful Muluk Lake in four-wheelers within a week or so,” he said. The official added that water supply schemes, green belts, ambulances, and rescue services have been revitalised in the valley.

President of the Hoteliers Association, Seth Matiullah, said the tourism industry was fully prepared to welcome tourists. “We have decided to offer quality food and hospitality services to all visitors coming to enjoy the valley’s natural beauty,” he said.The road link between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, which remained closed since mid-November, is also expected to reopen soon.