KHYBER: The number of tourists to the picturesque Tirah valley has considerably declined in recent months owing to shortage of facilities and an impending security situation, according to locals.

They said that only a small number of young joy seekers made it to Bagh-Markaz, the valley’s business centre, during Eidul Fitr in comparison to previous years when the region was opened for outsiders after the construction of a road.

Blessed with abundant natural beauty and consisting of thick forests, crystal clear water springs and green meadows, the valley offers a variety of sightseeing to tourists. The region was closed to the outside world for decades till 2014-15 when the people, who were displaced owing to militancy and subsequent military operation, returned to their homes after nearly a decade due.

The lush green Arhanga top on border with Orakzai, Kalawooch Daman, Bhutaan Sar, Haidar Kandaw, Dwa Thoey, Than Darra, Takhtakai heights and parts of the Kukikhel-inhabited mountainous areas with sharp cliffs and deep gorges are the region’s main attractions for visitors that were yet to be developed and made approachable to outside tourists.

Locals say shortage of facilities and security concerns keep visitors away from the valley

The residents of Tirah told Dawn that only four hotels were constructed during the last three years to accommodate outsiders. These hotels are situated in Islamdin Pir-Chattai Sar, Sarrokha locality at the entry of the valley and two more at the main Bagh-Markaz.

They, however, regretted that the condition of roads in the valley and those leading to tourist resorts was not good while some of those locations could only be reached on foot.

Qari Naurang, a resident of Luzaka Darra, a beautiful valley near the border of Kurram district, said that depositing of Computerised National Identity Cards with security forces at the entry points of Tirah from Bara, Kurram and Orakzai sides was the first obstacle to outsiders that needed to be done away as it restricted the free movement of tourists in the valley.

He said that a ban on entry of Kukikhel to Tirah for unspecified security apprehensions too was not only a setback for tourism but also against the basic rights of free movement of every citizen of the country.

Mr Naurang said that shortage of hotels or rented accommodation facilities was also a major reason of decline in the number of tourists as local customs and traditions did not allow outsiders to establish a camp or pitch a tent for night at any site of their choice in the valley.

Fazal Rabi, a young social activist, said that the valley was also in need of electricity and mobile and internet service alongside foolproof security.

He said that recent incidents of terrorism, armed patrolling of suspected militants and subsequent actions by the law enforcement agencies also scared away potential visitors from visiting the valley and surrounding areas.

The recent decline in number of tourists, especially during Eid holidays, has also disappointed traders and shopkeepers of Bagh-Markaz as they were expecting additional earnings from tourists along with creation of some part time jobs for unemployed local youth during these days.

Haji Sher Mohammad, the leader of local traders, said that Tirah was as beautiful as other tourist resorts of the country including Swat, Murree, Nathiagali and Naran but it faced shortage of the required facilities.

He said that tourists from different parts of the country were interested in exploring the hidden beauty of Tirah but the current security situation and lack of facilities were stopping them from visiting the valley.

He said that provision of required facilities by the government would ensure an upsurge in tourists’ arrival in the valley but would also provide job opportunities to locals alongside enhancing chances of better earnings for traders and transporters.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2023