MANSEHRA: The district administration has temporarily banned tourists from travelling to Lake Saiful Muluk following a Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast warning of heavy monsoon rains and possible cloudbursts in Naran, the commercial hub of Kaghan Valley.
“The district administration has imposed the ban on the request of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to ensure the safety of tourists, as heavy rainfall and possible cloudbursts are expected over the coming days,” Balakot Assistant Commissioner Hasrat Khan said.
According to an official notification issued by the district administration, all travel to Lake Saiful Muluk will remain suspended until further orders in view of the PMD’s weather advisory predicting intense rainfall and the risk of cloudbursts.
Meanwhile, the business community in Kaghan Valley has urged the district administration to review its decision, arguing that the restriction would significantly affect tourism and local livelihoods.
“The district administration has already placed all relevant departments, including Rescue 1122, on high alert across Kaghan Valley. Under these circumstances, travel to Lake Saiful Muluk is not unsafe,” said Hussan Deen, chairman of a local traders’ association.
He added that the weather in the valley, particularly in Naran, remains pleasant and tourists should continue to visit the region.
“Our businesses rely on a tourism season of only three to four months each year. Restrictions on access to major tourist attractions discourage visitors and have a serious negative impact on local businesses,” Mr Deen said.
Heavy Rain Alert | Tourists Barred From Visiting Lake Saiful Muluk
