People involved in tourism industry in Naran Valley have called for concerted efforts to cope with challenges marring the fascinating beauty of this wonderful valley which houses thousands of tourists.
Garbage, plastic bags, papers, tin packs, and other left-overs scattered in and around different places look really odd at a place which is situated at the bank of Kunhar River with an altitude of 2498 metres (7494 ft) above sea level.
Naran is witnessing an extraordinary arrival of tourists both foreign and local after tourism activity went rock bottom down in the wake of devastating earthquake on October 8, 2005.
"I've hired some labourers on my own and deputed them to clean certain places, including Lake Saiful Maluk," said Seth Muteeullah, who runs five hotels at different spots. He, however, called upon the visitors to properly dispose of their used items and avoid throwing off the stuff insensibly.
Naran remained inaccessible, but thanks to remarkable job done by Pak Army and FWO for restoring roads network in a challenging circumstances. Seth also emphasised the need to restore electricity supply to Naran where upto 90,000 people are dealing in tourism industry.
He said neither an events had so far been held in Naran nor it was included in Destination Pakistan-2007. "What's been said needs to implemented in true letter and spirit for boosting tourism," he added.
A visitor, Adnan Haider Zaidi, who is journalist from D.I.Khan said installation of a chair-lift from Naran to Lake Saiful Maluk would not only be instrumental in further attracting the tourists, but also generate huge revenue.
Tariq Bacha, a Pakistani born french national referring to water gushing out of the lake at around 10,000 feet altitude and reaching down to Naran suggested it could easily be utilised for generating electricity that would be sufficient for the valley.
Naran serves as a base camp for Lake Saiful Malook, nestling 3,200 metres high in the shadow of the Malika Parbat (Queen of the mountains) 5,291 metres high. While, routes leading to Battakundi, Lalazar plateau, Lake Lalusar and the Babusar Pass also originated from Naran.
Mindful of the growing interest of tourists in Naran, the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has launched a Luxury Bus Service from Islamabad to Naran.
Two buses would be daily operated one each from Islamabad to Naran and other from Naran to Islamabad. "We are in the process of introducing other facilities to promote tourism in this particular region and other fabulous sites as well," said Managing Director PTDC, Salman Javed. He said efforts were afoot to encourage the countrymen to enjoy the beauty of their motherland.
"People come here after covering thousands of kilometers to explore the natural treasures of our country, then what are we waiting for.... come let's see our own wonderful country," he said. He commended the students for arranging visits to tourist attraction sites during summer vacations.
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