MANSEHRA: The police have ramped up security measures for visitors to the Kaghan Valley here ahead of Eid holidays.

“We have enhanced the security arrangements for tourists, and an information and facilitation centre has been established in Naran to provide updates on weather conditions and local guidance,” District Police Officer Shafiullah Khan Gandapur told reporters.

Accompanied by heads of the Tourism Police and Balakot DSP, the DPO visited Kaghan Valley, met with tourists, hoteliers and members of the business community, and said stringent security protocols were in place due to the influx of visitors.

“Personnel from the regular police and Tourism Police have been deployed on the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road to ensure law and order,” he said.

Mr Gandapur saidthat Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed and Deputy IGP Hazara Range Nasir Mehmood Satti had issued special directives to boost security for tourists in the region.

During a visit to local police stations and security checkposts throughout Kaghan Valley, he urged personnel to offer warm hospitality to the visitors.

He also interacted with Pakistani and foreign tourists, asking them about their experiences and the facilities.

“We expect a record number of tourists in Kaghan Valley during the Eid holidays,” he said, adding, “That’s why we’ve deployed additional personnel from Balakot to Babusar Top.” Addressing traffic wardens, the DPO directed them to prioritise public facilitation over punitive measures.

“You must remain deployed along the MNJ Road to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Do not impose fines on visitors and instead, guide them on how to make their journey easier and more pleasant,” he instructed them.

EX-MINISTER REJOINS PPP: Pakistan Peoples Party divisional president in Hazara Malik Mohammad Farooq on Monday claimed that former provincial minister Syed Ahmad Hussain Shah had rejoined the party.

“Mr Shah, who had parted ways with the PPP following the 2018 general elections and joined the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, has now returned and will formally announce his rejoining at a major public gathering in Kaghan after Eidul Azha,” Mr Farooq told reporters here.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2025