MANSEHRA: Tourists from across the country thronged Kaghan Valley during the Independence Day holidays, enjoying its scenic destinations while escaping the sweltering heat in the lower parts of the country.

“Our family rushed here to escape the scorching heat and celebrate Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day. The celebrations were held with great enthusiasm and attracted a huge crowd,” Shabana Ali, a tourist from Lahore, told reporters in the Basal area near Lulusar Lake.

Kaghan Valley witnessed an influx of tourists from across the country and even from abroad, who enjoyed scenic spots.

“We used to visit Saiful Muluk Lake, Babusar Top and other such destinations. This time, we explored Battakundi, Basal and smaller attractions along the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road. The waterfalls and streams flowing downstream make the valley even more attractive and charming,” she said.

Naeem Khan, who arrived with his family from Faisalabad, said tour operators were actively bringing large numbers of tourists to the valley.

“We were brought here to enjoy the fireworks with which the Independence Day celebrations began at midnight. We also enjoyed rafting competitions on the Kunhar River and a police parade held amid the towering mountains at Basal,” he said.

The fireworks display, described as the biggest-ever held in Naran, was attended by a large number of people.

A cake was also cut by former MNA Salah Mohammad Khan and chairman of the business community, Hussan Deen, on the occasion.

Members of the business community were also in attendance. The participants pledged to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and thwart the evil designs of its enemies.

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2026