MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Tourism and Archaeology Department has directed private operators and its officials to improve facilities and management at tourist sites in Mirpur and prepare master plans for their development.
The directives were issued by the department’s Director General Raja Shahid Hussain during a two-day visit to the district, which concluded on Friday.
He inspected Ramkot Fort, Mangla View Park, Jeri Dam, Dhan Galli and several departmental sites along Upper Jhelum Canal Road and at Mangla Upper Head.
At Ramkot Fort, he examined ongoing restoration work, resort construction, fencing, access road repairs, landscaping and signage.
Representatives of the private firm managing the fort under a lease agreement briefed him on the project’s progress. Seeking an explanation for delays, the director general instructed the firm to comply with the terms of the lease and ensure promised facilities were delivered.
Highlighting the fort’s cultural importance, Mr Hussain said it was a vital part of the region’s historical and tourism heritage.
Calling for the provision of quality facilities for tourists to develop the fort into an attractive destination, he said its historical character must be preserved while carrying out development work.
Mr Hussain also inspected operations at Mangla View Park near Dadyal, which is similarly operated under a private lease, instructing the management to upgrade recreational amenities and cleanliness.
During inspections of department-run parks and food outlets at Mangla Upper Head and along Upper Jhelum Canal Road, he ordered improvements to seating and food facilities.
He said Mirpur’s historical heritage, Mangla Lake, natural beauty and distinctive tourist sites gave the district particular importance, adding that better management and modern facilities could make them more attractive to visitors.
At Jeri Dam and Dhan Galli, he instructed officials to prepare master plans for potential tourist locations in Mirpur and adjoining areas and take measures to provide basic facilities and promote tourism activities.
Mr Hussain also held a meeting with Mirpur Divisional Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz to formulate a joint strategy for promoting tourism across the division. The two officials agreed to organise cultural and tourism festivals to showcase local arts, traditions and heritage.
“Private-sector participation is important for developing tourist destinations and improving facilities,” Mr Hussain said, assuring that the department would utilise available resources to resolve operational challenges facing such sites.
Published in Dawn, October 4th, 2026
