Khewra tourism

The Khewra Salt Mine is an iconic place in the Salt Range. The region is also home to ancient religious sites, fortresses, monasteries and temple complexes. The presence of a gigantic salt mine, lakes, historical, religious and ecological heritage sites within a unique geological setting makes salt range a region which if developed properly in terms of basic infrastructure and essential amenities can generate significant economic activities in the form of domestic and international tourism.

My recent visit to the mine showed me hanging live electric wires, crumbling wooden supports, faulty lights and a dilapidated track inside the tunnel, which makes the 1km-long-walk cumbersome. The poorly maintained area outside the mine presents a shabby look. With little efforts, it can be transformed into a beautiful park providing more facilities to tourists. It is time the PTDC and the PMDC took steps to transform Khewra into a world-class tourist site.

Dr Bashir Ahmed Wani

Islamabad