January 28, 2008	Monday	Muharram 18, 1429

PESHAWAR, Jan 27: The government and army’s claim of restoring normality in Swat notwithstanding, tourism in this highly picturesque region received a major set-back as the winter’s main attraction, the annual sports gala, particularly skiing tournaments, was cancelled by the authorities for security reasons.

Skiing at country’s best ski resort of Malam Jabba in this season has in recent years remained one of the most attractive events for the sports enthusiasts and tourist, both from within and outside Pakistan.

Thousands of tourists, who throng the area mainly to participate in skiing competitions, or even to have a vacation in the snow covered valleys, are also the main source of livelihood for scores of locals. And at least during this season these locals are certain to be deprived of their earning, thus further adding to their miseries in the times of food shortages and non-availability of gas and electricity.

The cancellation of the ‘annual sports gala’ is a clear indication that despite the claims of a successful operation to flush out armed religious militants from the area, the situation in Swat-Mingora region was far from satisfactory. Some locals admitted that tension was still running high in aftermath of a fierce security operation of the last few weeks.

The provincial chief of the Ski Federation, Matiullah Khan, had no hesitation in admitting that the move to cancel the winter sports and other related activities was due to the prevailing law and order situation. “We cannot invite guests, especially foreigners in an area where clashes have continued and uncertainty is still prevailing”, he told Dawn. Mr. Khan said such activities were only possible in a peaceful atmosphere.

In the past, he said, the people used to play ski in a disorganised manner and just for fun. “I myself bore all the expenses to organise the people and train them as ski players. I want to continue it but situation is unfavorable,” he said.

In the prevailing circumstances, he said, every one was trying to reach home before sunset. He said the clashes had caused many economic problems, particularly for low income group and those having makeshift hotels or shops in the hilly areas.

Jamil Khan, owner of a makeshift hotel, told Dawn that the local people were being faced with many problems and with the increasing militancy the situation had further deteriorated as most of the residents had left the area.

An organiser of the sport gala Mohammad Rahim Khyal said that all the scheduled tournaments of schools and colleges had been cancelled and no sports activity could be carried out due to the increasing militancy. The tournament, he said, usually started every year in July till December while those of colleges used to continue till March.

“This year we only heard the explosions, fire shots, sounds of gunship helicopters and experienced the hour-long curfew and played no sports,” said Mr Khyal.

The local residents would establish shops, makeshift hotels along the road during the tournament season where the visitors could buy different items of their needs at reasonable relates as compare to the PTDC hotel.