THERE are many sites in Malakand division which attract tourists not only from within the country but from abroad as well.

Scenic valleys, snow-covered hills, dense forests, cool springs, soft streams and rivers enrich the natural beauty and colour of these sites.

The areas which are more popular for their natural beauty and picturesque valleys are Swat, Shangla, Dir and Malakand Agency. But there are also some areas of Malakand division which are as beautiful as Swat and other surrounding areas.

Unfortunately, very few people know about these scenic areas. Buner district is one of those areas which is enriched with immense natural beauty and colour.

Some 20 years ago Buner was a tehsil of Swat district and was not so popular as it is today.

In 1990, when it was given the status of a full-fledged district, the people of the area took a sigh of relief and called it a good omen for their progress and development.

They were optimistic about a pleasant change with many opportunities of progress at par with other advanced areas of Malakand division.

However, it proved to be mere daydreaming as in almost 20 years the people of Buner witnessed no signs of progress in any phase of life and as usual have been victims of negligence by successive governments.

What is more astonishing is that tourism is the most neglected sector. It has received no attention from the government.

There are many opportunities of tourism in Buner but the backwardness of the area has been the main hurdle in its promotion.

The communication and transportation system of the district is also poor. Roads are in a dilapidated condition, and are thus a hindrance for visitors from other districts.

Landline and mobile phone facilities have also not been provided, particularly in hilly and remote areas. This is the reason that people are reluctant to visit.

It is time a reasonable network of roads and phone facilities were provided in these areas. The climate of Buner is not as cold as that of Swat and Shangla districts.

And in some areas the weather remains pleasant round the year. Buner may be aptly called one of the best tourist spots in the country.

Areas that are famous for their cool and fresh atmosphere are Mangal Thana, Charkot and Dargalai villages. Buner district must be promoted as a tourist resort.

S.H. BUNERI Buner