MINGORA: People from all walks of life here on Thursday expressed delight over the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s decision to withdraw the condition of no-objection certificate (NOC) for foreign tourists to enter Malakand division.

The provincial government’s home and tribal affairs department through a letter on Wednesday informed the tourism secretary and provincial police chief that foreign tourists would no more require NOC to visit Malakand division as the region was declared open for them.

Tourism is considered as the backbone of economy of Swat district. Local tourists have started visiting the Swat valley since 2009 after militancy was wiped out through a military operation, but arrival of foreign tourists virtually stopped due to the strict process of obtaining NOC for them.

Hoteliers and cultural activists also appreciated the government’s move and said that normalcy had returned to the valley. “The Swatis are grateful to the provincial government for withdrawing the NOC for foreign tourists. The decision shows that Swat is safe and there is perfect peace due to the sacrifices of people and security forces,” said Niaz Ahamd Khan, a cultural activist.

“Swat valley has not only scenic spots, but it also remained a cradle of various civilizations. It has a rich heritage and presently we have plenty of ruins of Gandhara civilization throughout the valley. To see and visit the archaeological sites, millions of Buddhist tourists want to come to Swat,” said Suvastu Arts and Culture Association’s Usman Ulasyar.

He said that the valley had a long track of history of the Dardic, Indo-Greek, Buddhists and Hindu Shahi periods.

There are over 1,000 big and small hotels and restaurants in Swat and according to hoteliers the inflow of international tourists would boost the tourism industry.

Swat Hotel Association’s general secretary Wakeel Ahmad told Dawn that there was a time when thousands of international tourists would visit Swat.

“There was a time when Buddhist tourists and pilgrims used to come by chartered flights to visit and worship at their sacred sites. The number of tourists from Japan was usually higher than other tourists,” he said.

Mr Ahmad hoped for arrival of a large number of international tourists in the near future to enjoy the dazzling beauty and rich cultural heritage of Swat valley.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2016