MANSEHRA: The hoteliers in Naran have held both the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and PML-N responsible for their business losses, as tourists could not visit the tourist spots because of blocked roads leading to Hazara from Punjab and other parts of the country on the Independence Day.

“In the past a large number of tourists used to visit Kaghan valley on August 14, but because of the current situation triggered by Azadi March and blockade of roads the tourists remained off the valley and bazaars here are presenting a deserted look. As a result, we have suffered huge financial losses,” said Mohammad Farooq, a hotelier in Naran, while speaking to mediapersons on Thursday.

The hotel owners who used to charge up to Rs15,000 for a room for a night stay are now charging as low as Rs1,000 per night because of significant drop in the number of tourists.

After Eidul Fitr the hoteliers were expecting another tourists boom on the Independence Day, but their dreams had been shattered by the current political situation in the country.

Hoteliers say both PML-N and PTI responsible for their losses

“Such events and festivities are our main target to earn money and meet our expenses, but this time we have suffered a big loss because of Azadi March,” said Mr Farooq. He said that the blockade of road leading to Hazara by the government had compelled the visitors to remain away from touring the valley.

Scores of hoteliers in Kaghan valley on Thursday also took out a rally to protest against the PTI and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, holding them responsible for their business losses.

The period from mid June to mid August is regarded as the tourism season in Kaghan.

The owners of jeeps in Kaghan valley have also suffered a big loss because of the prevailing situation.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2014