Stories by Omar Mukhtar Khan

Going back in time on the banks of the Indus

Travelling the Indus from Kalabagh to Makhad Sharif is to witness Pakistan’s past, present, and imperilled future flowing side by side.

Published 05 Dec, 2025 12:03pm

Mansehra’s Monroe Trail is a wonder, but it needs help

With a little attention from the relevant authorities, the 66km-long trail can become the next big tourist destination in Pakistan.

Published 13 Sep, 2024 12:49pm

The killing air

Life expectancy can increase if we meet air quality standards.

Published 30 Oct, 2023 07:30am

Journey of a lifetime: Trekking Pakistan’s last frontiers in search of Karomber lake

Nestled among snow-capped mountains, the magical Karomber lake is located in the wild northwest of Pakistan.

Published 08 Dec, 2022 11:16am

Tragedy in Murree and how we can prevent such calamities in the future

I cannot stop thinking about the young police officer and his family who could not survive that dreadful cold night.

Updated 07 Feb, 2022 02:51pm

Kumrat valley — the hidden gem of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Kumrat valley is one of the most beautiful and unexplored parts of KP and is fast becoming victim to rampant commercialisation.

Published 16 Sep, 2020 06:19pm

The weeping willows of Shabqadar and other marvels at this magnificent fort

Shabqadar fort is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in the region's Sikh history and colonial rule.

Updated 10 Aug, 2020 02:34pm

I took a trip to Kotli Sattian and Karor and here's everything that made it special

If done right, a successful and sustainable tourism initiative can be taken in this area.

Updated 14 Apr, 2020 11:54am

With Covid-19, hope cannot be a strategy

Faced with Covid-19, what policy measures can Pakistan employ to fight the virus and mitigate the impact from lockdowns.

Updated 04 Apr, 2020 05:09pm

The magnificent Khyber Pass echoes forgotten stories of valour and deceit

Known as a traditional gateway for invaders, Khyber Pass is a 'sword that cut through the mountains'.

Updated 13 Apr, 2020 10:07am

Bhera: Town on the river

Bhera has a long history — and a lot to offer.

Updated 09 Jul, 2019 04:34pm

Peshawar: On the heritage trail

There is so much to see — and eat — in Peshawar's old city.

Updated 13 Apr, 2020 10:08am

Three locations Punjab should put on its tourism map

As Pakistanis earn and travel more, it is time to see local tourism as a serious avenue for growth.

Updated 02 May, 2019 05:33pm

Clueless in the abandoned centuries-old city of Tulaja in Soon Valley

Tulaja is like a dream, it is mysterious, abandoned and few people know about it. Go explore it.

Updated 13 Apr, 2020 10:08am

With a historic fort and Unesco-protected mosque, Shigar is an ideal short escape in Gilgit-Baltistan

The aesthetics have been preserved and part of it is open for guests, while part of it is a museum.

Updated 10 May, 2018 05:26pm

Pakistan's abandoned North Western Railway stations echo a forgotten past

I was reminded of an era when the whistling train would tear across the Wild West, the forgotten backyard of Pakistan.

Updated 11 Dec, 2019 11:07am