Azad Kashmir fails to attract attention despite its natural beauty, says Tahir Khokhar

 The valleys of Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Pir Chanasi, Bagh, Jhelum Valley are no less than paradise for international and domestic tourists.

Friday, January 3, 2025

Muzaffarabad (UrduPoint news international/ Pakistan Point News - NNI. 03 January 2025) Senior Parliamentarian and former Minister for Tourism and Transport Muhammad Tahir Khokhar said that Azad Kashmir has failed to attract attention despite its natural beauty due to the lack of necessary measures to promote tourism. Azad Kashmir’s famous lakes and recreational places like Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Pir Chanasi, Bagh, Jhelum Valley, valleys are no less than paradise for international and domestic tourists, but the lack of tourist facilities at these places is clearly visible.

Lack of basic amenities, quality of hotels, and modern infrastructure is causing difficulties for tourists. He said that if special attention is paid to tourism in Azad Kashmir, it can not only support the country’s economy but also provide employment opportunities for the local people here.

Instead of making lakes and rivers safe and visible, no work is being done to clean and restore them.

We have a lot of natural resources, but there is no seriousness on the part of the government and departments for their development. Tourism can become a big industry if the government and private sector invest in this sector. The tourism department is practically a failure because it has not been able to give or launch any project, cable car or any plan. The main reason for the neglect of tourist places in Azad Kashmir is the lack of interest and proper strategy of the concerned authorities. Lack of development projects, poor condition of roads, and lack of proper maintenance of lakes and forests are the main reasons for this plight.

He said that urgent steps need to be taken to promote tourism, such as developing tourism infrastructure, establishing a hotel industry, and presenting Azad Kashmir as an ideal tourist destination at the international level. If the government plans immediately and adopts a clear strategy to promote the tourism sector, Azad Kashmir can become a paradise for domestic and foreign tourists and can play an important role in the country's economy, winter tourism is also non-existent here.

Despite the wonderful opportunities for snowfall in the winter season and the beauty of the mountainous areas, no government planning is visible. Provision of modern facilities such as chairlifts, resorts, and winter sports is necessary to create attraction for local and international tourists, but the lack of investment in these sectors is obvious. Pir Chanasi, Toli Pir, and Sharda offer picturesque views in winter, but there is a lack of infrastructure and non-availability of facilities in these areas.

Due to the lack of facilities like chairlifts or skiing, these areas are unable to take advantage of opportunities that could support the economy. If the government, and the relevant departments, including the Department of Tourism, take steps, the beautiful valleys of Azad Kashmir can become a hub for domestic and international tourists and play a role in the economy of Pakistan, including the state of Kashmir.