KOHAT: The tourists visiting the hilly resort of Samana in Hangu have demanded construction of hotels and other facilities so they could prolong their stay beyond evening to fulfil their cherished desire to see the picturesque meadows and three British-era forts.

It is to mention here that the army had imposed restriction on visitors’ stay beyond evening after the war against terrorism.

Located at a height of 7,000 feet, the resort was once captured by the banned TTP. There is general misconception among the people that terrorists are still hiding there in the mountains.

The area could not be developed into a proper tourist resort due to tribal cult as half of it was thrown in the tribal overshadow by the government after declaring it a tribal agency in 1972 ending its tehsil status of Kohat district.

However, a positive change came about after the war when weapons were banned for tribesmen and the area was merged with the province.

The families are afraid to visit the resort, and women are not allowed there due to tribal taboos. However, some do pluck courage and go for some adventure there.

Samana is a ridge between Hangu and Orakzai districts abundant in meadows. It has administrative control by three police station boundaries- two of Hangu and one of Orakzai, which gives it unique identification. The Samana resort in Hangu is famous for its greenery and cold weather during summer. The Orakzai half has no facilities and is owned by the tribesmen.

A dangerously narrow road leads to Samana from Hangu, but even then people prefer to have a day off during the summers.

Samana is a marvel of nature full with walnut trees and open picnic spots. However, a few rest houses and rooms constructed by the army provide shelter to the families.

Over the past years, private makeshift cabins have sprung up whereas most of the tourists visit it for a day and after cooking and eating and merrymaking return the same day.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2020