Thousands of tourists, including foreigners, resumed their journeys via the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road on Saturday after the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) repaired and reopened the steel bridge on Manor stream in the Mahandri area of Kaghan Valley.
The bridge had been damaged earlier this week by flash floods, disrupting traffic between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. The bridge, which had slightly dislocated during the flooding, was repaired, and its height was increased to prevent future flood damage. Following the reopening, long queues of vehicles, mainly carrying tourists, were seen on the road.
Among the stranded tourists were eight Portuguese nationals who were safely escorted by the Tourism Police Force to Islamabad.
Chairlift to Saiful Muluk Lake Announced
In a significant development for tourism in the region, authorities have announced the installation of a chairlift from Naran to Saiful Muluk Lake through a public-private partnership. Tashfeen Haider, Director General of the KP Culture and Tourism Authority, confirmed that a feasibility report for the chairlift project is underway.
This project aims to make the scenic Saiful Muluk Lake more accessible, especially for patients and those who are uncomfortable with the rough jeep ride currently required to reach the lake. The business community in Kaghan Valley has welcomed the plan but expressed concerns about the timely completion of the project, citing past unfulfilled promises by previous governments.
Illegal Structures Face Demolition
The Tehsil Municipal Administration has issued notices to individuals who have illegally constructed shops and houses in Oghi and surrounding areas. The authorities have given the occupants a week to vacate the government land voluntarily, warning of a crackdown if they fail to comply.
Vehicle Owners Complain of Number Plate Delays
Vehicle owners in the region have voiced their frustration over the prolonged delay in receiving number plates. Some have been waiting for up to six years after registering their vehicles with the excise and taxation department. They have urged the Chief Minister to intervene and expedite the issuance process.
