SWAT: Local residents and tourists have said that the scenic Kokarai valley had potential for boosting tourism, but lack of facilities had kept it hidden from visitors.

Located about seven kilometres from Mingora, the lush green Kokarai valley is not only famous for its dazzling beauty but also for having traces of Gandhara civilisation. The valley connects Shangla and Buner with Swat.

According to local residents, the valley has several spots for tourists featured by waterfalls, streams, thick forests, high peaks and green pastures.

“The most attractive sight is a waterfall in Sangar area located between two mountains and surrounded by green fields and trees.

The waterfall is not big enough, but it has its own beauty,” Bakth Zamin, a local resident, who visited the waterfall with friends, said, adding apart from the waterfall the area had several springs and centuries-old maple trees, thus offering a perfect place for tourists.

The local tourists said weather was pleasant as cool breeze amid enchanting scenes welcomed people.

“In June when rest of the country is experiencing scorching heat here the weather is so cool the visitors feel like it is month of January or February. It is a perfect place for nature lovers,” Asmat Ali of Mingora who visited the waterfall in Sangar area with his friends, said.

However, the tourists complained there was no proper track to the waterfall.

“I am thrilled at seeing the stunningly beautiful place where one can enjoy green fields, forests, waterfalls and streams, but unfortunately it has road infrastructure which means the government has completely ignored this scenic valley,” Ayaz Bacha of Kokarai said.

The locals invited tourists to visit Kokaai valley and enjoy dozens of waterfalls, streams, forests and high mountains. They said the government should focus on boosting tourism by developing the valley.

When contacted, MPA Azizullah Gran told Dawn that he had allocated a big chunk of funds for Kokarai union council. “Recently a road connecting Kokarai union council with Mingora and Buner was blacktopped. Several link roads have also been constructed to different sub valleys,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2020