MUZAFFARABAD: The civilian and military authorities have resolved to take joint measures “on an urgent basis” to protect archaeological sites and promote ecotourism in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

The resolve came at a visit by AJK chief secretary Mathar Niaz Rana and 12-Div General Officer Commanding Amer Ahsan Nawaz to Sharda, the historic tourist resort in the upper belt of Neelum Valley, on Wednesday.

According to a press release issued by the AJK press information department, both officials were given detailed briefings by director general tourism and archaeology Pirzada Irshad Ahmed, deputy commissioner Neelum Raja Mehmood Shahid and local army commanders on geography, population, historical and touristic importance of Sharda as well as the problems being faced by the tourists visiting the area.

Sharda is said to be a revered site for the Hindu community who have launched a campaign in India-held Kashmir for permission to visit it.

Official sources say the AJK government has lately decided in principle that initially it would allow the Pakistan based Hindu community to visit Sharda for religious tourism.

During the Wednesday’s visit, it was decided that the road infrastructure in the area would be improved to provide maximum possible facilities to the tourists and environmental protection would also be ensured by introducing and promoting ecotourism.

Maj-Gen Nawaz told officials that the purpose of the joint visit was to create sense of greater awareness among the public regarding importance and subsequent protection of the archaeological sites.

He was of the view that since most of the problems being faced by tourists and residents alike were linked with the road network, standard construction of the entire artery would be launched without further ado to ensure development and prosperity of the area and its inhabitants.

Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2019